A lackluster Negombo Youth outfit were breezed aside by 2014 champions Solid SC by a 2-0 score line in the Dialog Champions League group A clash worked off at Kelaniya Complex.
The visitors Solid started off the best out of the teams as they capitalized on pockets of spaces in midfield despite a pressing defense only with little to show for their efforts.
Solid skipper Edison Figurado was the chief orchestrator in midfield as he set up play for his front men. Despite their best efforts Negombo Youth slowly played themselves into the game and had the game’s first clear opportunity to open the scoring.
Dinesh Darmalingam was threaded through behind the Solid defense only to be denied by a valiant keeper, Ayurdeen, who was quick to march off his tracks. Yet his partial interception fell to the feet of Pradeep Fernando whose effort was charged down by a gallant A.A.Tunde who flung himself in front of the midfielder.
The remainder of the half had a rather subdued tone to it as both teams feared to throw caution to the wind.
Photo Album – Negombo Youth SC v Solid SC | Group Stage | DCL 16
However, on the first minute of added time in the first half Figurado put across a delicious ball across, only to see it go across the box unchallenged yet was soon recovered by Thakshila Danoj who put across a peach into the box himself which Figurado accepted gleefully to head in home whilst the defense stood wandering.
The hosts went into the hut with their head held down after conceding a crucial opener in the dying seconds of the half.
The second half saw the hosts push a few bodies forward as they were seeking a much needed equalizer to make a match out of the tie. Despite their intent the forwards showed very little promise and industry as they were curtailed by their own in ability to capitalize on possession.
The visitors on the other hand were more than content to sit deep and hit Negombo on the counter as they knew the hosts were left vulnerable at the back throwing many bodies forward.
On the stroke of the 59th minute O.I.Abumer found himself one on one against a Negombo Youth player when he turned to the left and to the right to leave his opposite number in a merry dance as he unleashed an inch perfect shot to the bottom left corner leaving the keeper, Samin Vimukthi, helpess.
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With Solid potentially sealing the tie the game went to a rather dull last quarter. None the less the pocket size left back for Negombo Youth managed to find himself inside the box after a soaring run only to be denied by an advancing goalkeeper who happened to take him down illegally. The referee had no hesitation to point to the spot whilst booking the keeper for his troubles.
Shanaka Prasad stepped up to take the spot kick for the hosts as this was potentially the opening they needed to salvage a point from no where. Unfortunately it didn’t according to the script as a poor penalty was easily dealt with by Ayurdeen.
Disgruntled by their inability to cash in on opportunities the hosts were rather going through the motions during the final few minutes.
The 2014 champions were delighted as they managed to kick start their campaign with three points. Skipper Edison Figarado led from the front as his contribution in offense and defense proved to be pivotal not to forget his opener which set the platform for visitors for the rest of the game.
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Edison Figurado
Coach Mohomed Kabeer of Negombo Youth;
“We should have made the most of our early chances which we didn’t. We payed for it as we were chasing the game after they (Solid SC) scored the opener.
On the missed penalty, “it was an important moment, we could have staged a comeback if we were to score but we didn’t and it cost us the game. We need to improve on our finishing.”
Coach S.Jasmin of Solid S.C;
“We’re delighted with the result. Our foreign played haven’t spent much time with the rest of the team it’s only been like 3 weeks but they showed excellent coordination which was encouraging. We need to work on our finishing moving ahead in the tournament as we missed precious chances to score more goals.”
Goal Scorers
Solid SC – Edison Figurado 45+1′, O.I. Abumer 59′Cautions
Yellow Cards
Solid SC – Seyagam Godwin, O.I.Abumer, M.Ayurdeen, Thilina Bandara,
Negombo Youth – Mohomed Nuskan
