Police SC made light work of New Star SC winning 4-0 in the Premier League Division I 2018 semi-final played at the Sugathadasa Stadium and with-it promotion to the Dialog Champions League.
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Police SC came in as favourites as they finished top of the group in the Super Six Round. New Star SC on the other hand finished 4th in the Super Six to qualify for the semi-finals.
Riyaz Ahamed almost gave the perfect start to Police as they went on the attack and with seconds on the clock his header hit the post after a quick move up front. Mohamed Nifas of New Star got injured in the build-up and had to be replaced by Mohamed Fahir.
Mahendran Dinesh then had to come to clear away a free kick which was sent in perfectly. Police broke away from the resulting corner as New Star gave away a needless foul close to the penalty area.
The resulting free kick almost gave away the goal. The second ball fell to Chamika Kumara inside the 6 yard and his shot was cleared away off the line by Mohamed Fahir.
Police SC dominated play completely with possession in the opponent’s half. Their play in the final third let them down as the front three of Rifkhan Mohamed, Riyaz Ahamed and Shabeer Razooniya did not click with the passing when it mattered.
New Star barely left their own half and were with glimpses of chances to attack, however not having men forward Police SC was able to get hold of possession immediately.
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With Police not able to capitalize Mohamed Anas came close to giving the lead to New Star with a breakaway move. Beating Mahendran Dinesh in goal his shot hit the woodwork to save Police from going behind.
Just before the break Shabeer Razooniya gave the goal Police were searching with a good delivery from Riyaz Ahamed. He cushioned the header to the left corner of the goal.
Half Time – Police SC 1 – 0 New Star SC
Second half started with Police on the attack and with some wonderful build up play Rifkhan Mohamed volleyed from close range to give Police a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Chathura Gunarathna then showed his magic from range when he found New Star goalkeeper Mohamed Imtiyaz off his line and clinically lobbed it into the net, despite Imtiyaz getting finger tips to the ball.
On the hour mark Rifkhan Mohamed finished brilliantly from a through ball from Shabeer Razooniya. His first-time finish was sublime and left Imtiyaz in the goal a spectator.
Photo Album – Police SC vs New Star SC | Semi Final | Premier League Division I 2018
Police could have racked up the goal tally, however the final finishing once again eluded the front men as the dominance continued to the final 10-minutes of the game. Both Shabeer Razooniya and Rifkhan Mohamed could have had hat tricks if not for the misses in front of goal.
Full Time – Police SC 4 – 0 New Star SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Rifkhan Mohamed (Police SC)
Goal Scorers
Police SC – Shabeer Razooniya 45+1’, Rifkhan Mohamed 48’ & 60’, Chathura Gunarathna 52′
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