Ten men Colombo FC gave a crucial fight to win against Saunders SC with the help of striker Ahamed Shazny’s last minute goal.
Underdogs Saunders proved wrong to their opponents as they would not go down without a fight. Even though Colombo FC scored the opening goal of the game breaking the supporter’s expectations Saunders led the game during the breather 2 goals to 1, with Colombo FC reduced to ten men when Tuan Rizni a red card. Colombo FC managed bounce back to equalize in the second half. Just before the final whistle Ahamed Shazny scored the 3rd goal to save Colombo Football Club’s pride. Saunders being in the bottom of the points table played an impressive game which was not expected by their opponents.
Defense line of Colombo FC were not confident enough of their performance. Saunders SC skipper Sanoj Sameera made his way to disappoint the opponents along with his team members. Playing as a midfielder carries major responsibilities in a game. Sanoj did his job perfectly during attack and defense.
Bodrie Dimitri scored the first goal of the game in the 09th minute. An out-step shot on top of the box made the goal from the left footer which could not be stopped by Saunders goalkeeper R.Perera.
Saunders SC equalized the score in the 20th minute when striker L.Samarasekara made a lob pass to left winger Dilan de Silva who placed the ball to the left edge of the goal post. 12 minutes later Saunders took the lead of the game when they scored the goal for the day. Striker Samarasekara snatched the ball from the opponents as there was a slight misunderstanding between defender Rizni and goalkeeper Imran. Samarasekara jumped in between the opponents and grabbed the ball to score.
As the short whistle was called Saunders led the game 2-1.
Fearless Saunders got back to the field freshly expecting to score more goals. But they were disappointed when Colombo FC bounced back in the 51st minute. Shazni’s through pass which went between the 2 defenders and was collected by fellow striker Bodrie Dimitri who scored his second goal for the day in an easy way.
Few minutes later another attempt failed when Bodrie Dimitri made a shot out of the box which was saved by the goal keeper. The rebound ball was blocked by the defenders which would have been another goal for Colombo FC. During the counter attack Saunders striker Sudaka Madushanka struck a shot from inside the box, unfortunately hit the bar.
Bodrie Dimitri missed a penalty late in the game. Referee awarded a penalty to Colombo FC in the latter part of the game. Left footer Dimitri failed to score the penalty as goalkeeper R.Perera saved it.
In the 92nd minute Colombo FC skipper Raumi made a through pass to striker Shazni. Standing one on one against the goal keeper Shazni made a beautiful strike to the nets giving a thrilling
win and keeping Colombo FC alive in the title chase.
Even though Saunders SC had almost won the game in the first half Colombo FC did not let their pride fade away.
Coach M.N.M. Roomy of Colombo FC stated this victory was an important one as they are on the run for the league title and also he mentioned “I wanted the players to play an attacking game even though we had only ten players on the field. That shows how much we needed these 3 points.”
