New Star SC from Panadura pulled off a thrilling victory when they defeated Premier League team Pelicans SC 3-2 on penalties at Kew Points Road, after the match ended 1-1 in normal time.
New Star SC is a division I side and this will rank as a historic moment in their clubs history. With this victory they earned the right to enter the Pre- Quarter Finals of the FA Cup for the first time.
Nothing was created in the early going as both teams looked somewhat nervous. There were misplaced passes and sloppy defending and it was in the 23rd minute that the first chance of the game fell to Pelicans Mohammed Inshaf. His point blank range effort was well saved by New Star keeper Imtiyas.
New Star SC came back into the game in the latter half of the first 45 minutes and they were awarded a free kick just outside the box which was quickly taken but the effort by Safraz could only hit the side netting. First half ended with neither team able to score.
The second half proved to be the opposite of the first half as there was drama, attacking play and goals.
Pelicans SC’s playmaker Mohomed Safraz was red carded ten minutes into the second half after getting into a needless argument with the referee. He fouled New Star defender inside the box and was unhappy with the decision and got a yellow card but he kept on arguing which gave the referee no option but to show the second yellow and send him on his way. It was ill advised and unprofessional from the player and put his side a man short with another 35 minutes to play.
Minutes later New Star got on the score sheet from a free kick. The initial shot was saved by the keeper but the rebound was put in by Nizam Safon. With pride at stake Pelicans launched attack after attack trying desperately for an equalizer with long range shots but were unsuccessful.
With seven minutes remaining they found the equalizer through a wonderful volley by substitute Sampath Gunasinghe. This was after good work done by Rathnayaka down the right flank and Gunasinghe volleyed the cross past the keeper. Gunasinghe had another opportunity but his effort was well saved by Imtiyas.
With time running out the crowd witnessed end to end stuff but there weren’t any more goals in regular time. The match was to be decided on penalties.
The penalties proved to be a battle between the keepers and New Star keeper came out on top as he saved three penalties giving New Star a 3-2 win on penalties.
Speaking to ThePapare.com the manager of New Star SC M.Z.Sinhawansa, “We are a division I team playing a Premier League team in the Pelicans. It was a great win. We played hard, that is my philosophy. We hope to continue this form.”
