The Dialog Champions League 2016 made its first trip to the Vernon Fernando Stadium in Kalutara, when Navy SC took on Super Sun SC in a one sided affair which Navy won by a comfortable 3-0 margin.
Both teams suffered disappointing FA Cup campaigns and were keen to send out a message to their Group B rivals in their first match of the season.
It was Navy however who got off to a flying start with Chathuranga Sanjeewa opening the scoring from just outside the box with the first shot of the game. A combination of an awkward bounce and poor goalkeeping contributing to Super Sun falling behind in the 3rd minute.
Photo Album – Super Sun SC v Navy SC | Group Stage | DCL 16
Super Sun had a lot of new faces in the team, and they seemed to lack chemistry most clearly in defense as they struggled to deal with the energy and passing of the Navy line up.
Navy took a 2-0 lead in the 24th minute after Nirmal Wijetunge chipped goalkeeper Mohamed Mubashir from a tight angle after some good interplay with Jeran Fernando on the edge of the box.
Super Sun relied heavily on midfielder Teo Daniel for creativity but a lack of understanding between their midfield cog and front trio was obvious as forwards Shafraz Kaiz and Duodu Joseph were caught offside many a time by an organized Navy backline.
When they did beat the trap though, the finishing of Joseph let them down several times and they couldn’t reduce the deficit at the short whistle.
Half Time: Navy SC 2-0 Super Sun SC
Super Sun got off to much better start in the second half maintain possession and creating pressure but the Navy defense held firm as Christine Fernando and Maduranga Perera in the central positions were nothing short of excellent. Udayanga Reginold in goal for Navy also exhibited good judgment coming out to bail out his defense when needed.
Navy grew into the game as the half progressed and created openings for themselves, Chalana Chameera hitting a free kick just over the bar and substitutes Mohommed Inshaf and Osman Rasanjana also getting opportunities to improve the score line.
Priyankara leads New Youngs win over Police
In the dying embers of the game veteran Dammika Ratnayake put the icing on the cake with a third goal for the sailors. Keeper Mubashir’s nightmare game continued as he flapped at a cross from the right and all Ratnayake had to do was poke the ball home from close range.
The game drew to a painfully slow end for the hosts as many of their supporters upset with the performance of the team flooded out of the ground with 5 minutes left to play. All in all Navy really stamping their authority on Group B with a dominant display leaving Super Sun with lot of work to do with regard to their tactical set up.
Full Time: Navy SC 3-0 Super Sun SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Chathuranga Sanjeewa
Speaking to the Navy coach Dhammika Athukorala after the game he had this to say:
“We had a few practice games before and given that this was our first match I’m very pleased with the way we have recovered from a disappointing FA Cup campaign. Chalana Chameera at Right Back is a great asset to us and put in great performance for us with a lot of energy down the right. Especially in these tough groups the first game is very important and if we play the way we did and carry our momentum forward we should be able to qualify for the Super 8.”
Super Sun coach Mohamed Imran declined to talk to ThePapare.com stating he was too upset as a result of his team’s performance.
Goal Scorers
Navy: Chathuranga Sanjeewa 3’, Nirmal Wijetunga 24’, Dammika Ratnayake 86’Assists
Navy: Chathuranga Sanjeewa, Jeran FernandoCautions
Yellow Cards: Mohommed Fahim 37’ (Super Sun), Chathuranga Sanjeewa 55’ (Navy)
