Saunders Sports Club faced the Hill capital lads in their first round of Dialog Champions league last evening at the City Football Complex.
Having a couple of overseas stars on the field was an added advantage for the Lions as Saunders had only locals. Even though the second half was very tough for the Upcountry defenders, the opponents did not score a single goal. A couple of substitutes coming in for the boys in yellow changed the game. Former Sri Lankan striker Chrisantha Abeysekara who played the full match joined Saunders a couple of weeks ago.
Both teams got equal chances in attacking. It was goalkeepers who had to make an extra effort to not let the ball touch the nets. Upcountry Lions striker A.Aaron struggled to make a change on the score board. Unfortunately he did not have enough support to complete the act successfully. His fellow mate Johnson Shaibu had good control of the defense line. His understanding and communication with the other team members was great.
The main opportunities Upcountry got to attack was due to the breakdown point of the midfielders of the opponents. Skipper Sanoj Sameera was good with his attacking skills, but was not skillful enough when it came to defense. Luckily former Sri Lankan skipper Rohana Ruwantilake and Dumindu Hettiarachchi took off their opposing strikers. Aaron did not have a good understanding with the wingers and fellow striker Chandrarathna.
Chrishantha Abeysekara who is famous for his powerful on target shots was not successful with his power kicks this time. M.Luthfi managed to punch out almost every kick which was on target. Luthfi also saved few corner kicks which were crucial.
Junior Sri Lankan National players Sunthararaj Niresh and Zaidh who came in the second half, played their own style of football whereas the other team members had to adjust according to the two youngsters. Zaid on the left wing came up with a few excellent cross passes but striker Chrisantha Abeysekara failed to score, although his shots were on target. Niresh was perfect in his role as it was to supply the ball to the wingers. Both the youngsters playing up and down in the field was a benefit.
Upcountry rarely got the opportunity to attack in the second half. Yet another overseas striker came in as a substitute. Bernard Kwasi walked in the later part but most of the time he was in their own territory defending. Skipper Nalinda Konara was well organized and pumped up in the first half as they had the control of the game mostly but wasn’t confident enough in the 2nd half.
Saunders coach Imran was not satisfied with the performance. Almost having the game in their palm and not being able to win is a loss. On the other side Upcountry Lions was satisfied not losing after coming all the way from Kandy.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Chrisantha Abeysekara
