Java Lane finally lived up to their expectations by pursuing their dream of reaching the Super Eight round, after coming from two goals down at half time to win 3-2 against Negombo Youth at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
This group B clash was important for both teams as Negombo Youth needed a win to have any hope of going through to the next round while Java Lane was just one win away from sealing their spot in the Top 8. The pressure was on the boys from Negombo after their disappointing draw against New Youngs last week, after leading 2-0 but gave away two goals in injury time.
Both teams took time to settle their nerves but it was Negombo Youth who found the target for the first time in the match. Negombo skipper Pradeep Fernando took the free kick from the left side and crossed it over towards the right corner finding Shanaka Prasad. Prasad’s header was well directed but Dammika Senarath’s diving effort saved his team from conceding a goal.
Java too had their chances in the first few minutes but it was Mohommad Abdullah who had the best chance through a well taken volley from outside box which was pushed out by Vimukthi Maduwantha.
Few minutes after Negombo Youth drew first blood through a penalty. Java Lane defender Ranika De Silva was penalized for hand ball inside the box which was taken successfully by Shanaka Prasad.
Java Lane looked complacent in the first half, letting their opponents enjoy ball possession. Negombo were awarded with an own goal in the 32nd minute when Pramod Fernando of Negombo Youth made a good run towards the right corner, going past the defense and crossing the ball towards the box which was deflected in by Madhava Runwansiri to his own goal.
Java Lane looked a different side in the second half. They looked confident and determined despite the fact that they were 2 goals behind. Java Lane skipper Mohamed Rizkhan led from the front, searching that magical comeback in this match.
Few minutes into the second half Java Lane found their first goal through a brilliant header from Mohamed Rizkhan. Mohamed Hassaan taking the free kick from the right side and shooting it across the box which was timely headed to the back of the net by the skipper.
Negombo Youth looked to be asleep on the field; they were clueless and Java Lane took advantage out of this loose play. Few minutes after their first goal, they found their equalizer. It was Mohamed Rizkhan again leading from front sending a brilliant through-ball to Mohamed Abdullah who went through the defense and chipped the ball over the keeper. Negombo Youth were again guilty of giving away the match which they had in their hands.
The visitors’ defense was all over the place. Java Lane created chances in the second half but for their despair, they weren’t able to find the match winning goal. However they did not have to wait for long, as in the 76th minute of the match for Java Lane when Mohamed Abdullah found the winning goal. He got through the defense and shot to the far post giving no chance for the keeper to prevent the ball from finding the back of the net.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Mohamed Rizkhan
Java Lane skipper Mohamed Rizkhan speaking to ThePapare.com:
“We started this season with a dream of reaching the top 8 for the first time and I’m glad we managed to achieve that today. Hopes were lost after the first half but I’m really proud of our team’s performance.”
