A top half of the table clash failed to live up to expectations as Navy Sea Hawks FC outplayed and outclassed a rudderless Ratnam SC 2-0 in week 9 of the Dialog Champions League 2018 played at the Kelaniya Football Complex.
Referees refuse to officiate Saunders matches
The Saunders SC versus Renown SC Dialog Champions League 2018 Week 9 encounter …
Navy Sea Hawks came into this game in 4th place with 17 points, while Ratnam, who were without key forward Kalou Didier, were in 6th with 14 points.
Sea Hawks struck first blood in the 7th minute after skipper Chathuranga Sanjeewa took a powerful strike from outside the box that goalkeeper Mohamed Waseem failed to hold on to, allowing Dhanushka Madushanka to expertly volleyball in the rebound to make it 1-0.
Minutes later, Sea Hawks were off celebrating yet again having found the back of the net through Mohamed Shaheel. However, it was disallowed due to an off-side call by the linesman.
Ratnam were disorganized at the back allowing the likes of Sanjeewa, Shaheel, Madushanka and Nagoor Meera to attack without constraint.
Sea Hawks were almost rewarded when a cross into the box was met by the outstretched leg of Madushanka, but Waseem made a brilliant save before it was cleared to safety. Mohamed Shaheel then had his volleyball with venom blocked by Waseem.
Ratnam struggled to penetrate the Sea Hawks penalty box let alone threaten the goal, with their best chance falling to Mohamed Musharaf, whose effort flew just over the crossbar. The one time they did get into the box, Mohamed Coulibaly sliced his effort from close range on the stroke of half time.
Half Time – Ratnam SC 0 – 1 Navy Sea Hawks FC
Sea Hawks continued their domination as they got the first chance of the second half with a powerful effort that flew inches wide of the post.
Read More: Renown rescue late win against Matara City
Navy came close again when Nalaka Roshan struck a volleyed effort, but it was straight at Waseem. Ratnam responded with a chance of their own, through a long-range effort, but once again they failed to trouble Reginald who made the simple save.
The sailors did not let up and continued on the front foot and finally in the 60th minute they doubled the advantage. A Shaheel cross from the left that should have been easily dealt with was poorly defended, allowing Nagoor Meera to blast it into the back of the net past a helpless Waseem.
It took until the 83rd minute for Mohamed Safeer to give Ratnam their first solid chance on goal. But his effort from the edge of the box was saved by Sachintha Reginold who reacted quickly. Reginold was then forced into an acrobatic save off a free-kick.
Photos: Ratnam SC v Navy Sea Hawks FC | Week 9 | Dialog Champions League 2018
Ratnam squandered yet another opportunity when a good cross into the box found Nimantha Madushan, but his first-time effort flew well off target. Sea Hawks had the last opportunity of the game when Maduranga Perera headed a corner inches over the crossbar, before the referee blew for full time.
Full Time – Ratnam SC 0 – 2 Navy Sea Hawks FC
- ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Dhanushka Madushanka (Navy Sea Hawks FC)
Goal Scorers
Navy Sea Hawks FC – Dhanushka Madushanka 7’, Nagoor Meera 60’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Ratnam SC – Mohamed Nuskan 32’, S.A.H.P. Perera 40’
Navy Sea Hawks FC – I.H.P. Kavinda 40’, Nagoor Meera 71’
>>For more Dialog Champions League News Click Here<<
