After missing numerous chances Ahamed Shazny finally managed to hit the back of the net as Colombo FC defeated Java Lane 1-0 in the early kick-off at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
With just five points separating the top seven teams, this was an important match for both sides. Java Lane was boosted with the returns of Zarwan Johar and Rizkhan Faizer while Colombo FC was minus Bodrie Dimitri with a knee injury.
Ahamed Shazny missed four sitters during the match but was there to head a Kumarasiri cross which looped over goalkeeper Dhammika Senerath giving Colombo FC the lead and ultimately the only goal of the match in the 74th minute. Shazny’s celebrations showed how much that goal meant to him after a poor overall performance apart from the goal.
However soon after getting the lead Colombo FC gave away a penalty when Maxi Lettrn was fouled just inside the penalty box. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Former Sri Lanka U19 skipper Zarwan Johar stepped up to take the penalty but his shot to the right bottom corner was brilliantly saved by Mohamed Imran.
D.Madushanka had his opportunity to double the Colombo FC lead deep into injury time but the ball bounced off the upright and the resulting rebound was blazed over.
Earlier the match opened with both sides failing to assert their authority in the match giving away possession at regular intervals. As the match went by Colombo FC started to put together some passes and Shazny had his first opportunity when he was put through one on one with Senerath but the former Sri Lanka goalkeeper came rushing out excellently smothering the ball.
There was a huge shout for a handball inside the penalty box by the Java Lane players but the referee had none of it. For the Slave Island lads it was their playmaker Zarwan Johar at the heart of their attacks with his good understanding with Rizkhan Faizer causing problems for the Colombo FC defense. One time Zarwan layed off the ball to Rizkhan whose shot went past the upright.
Just before halftime Shazny went on a mazy dribble past three defenders, with just the keeper to beat he took too much time and was denied by the brilliant tackle by the Java Lane defender.
Early in the second half Rizkhan was fouled on the right and the free kick towards the far post was headed by Malaka Perera was saved at his near post by Imran. There after D.Madusanka laid the ball off to Shazny who again fluffed his chance from close quarters and when he did manage to score the lines referee deemed him offside.
Veteran Raumy Mohideen controlled the game well for the Colombo FC lads and created a wonderful chance on the break when he passed to Mohomed Fayasil whose first time pass across the face of the goal was met by Shazny but his effort was partially saved for a corner by Senerath.
Malaka Perera shot wide of the goal for Java Lane after a defense piercing through ball by A.Dagish before Shazny finall managed to get on the score sheet.
Speaking to ThePapare.com after the match a satisfied Colombo FC coach Mohomed Roomy had this to say.
“It was a tight game. When it comes to Java Lane v Colombo FC, both sides are afraid of losing to each other. Shazny missed sitters but kept at it to get the important goal. There is always room for improvement. And that penalty was an unnecessary one to give.”
Java Lane coach Augustin George was disappointed not to come away with a draw.
“Unfortunate with that penalty. Overall we played well. Compared to last season we have come a long way. We are in the top half of the table with a young team. This young team is still in the building stage. By next season we will be at full strength.”
