Red Star SC missed a host of chances but prevailed 6-5 on penalties, after the match ended 1-1 after full time and extra time in the 2016 Premier League Division I Quarter Final played at the Vernon Fernando Stadium.
Red Star SC came from a goal down to draw the game at full time to then dramatically win the quarterfinal match against Serandib FC.
During the opening five minutes Red Star had a clear chance to score but the first shot on goal by Mohamed Afrar was saved by goalkeeper Mohamed Najan. Afrar was also unable to place the rebound between the woodwork.
Within quick succession Serandib answered back to this challenge with three well-worked corners. All were headed goal bound but were safely collected by goalkeeper Mohamed Shifras.
Photo Album – Red Star SC v Serandib FC – Premier League Div I 2016 | Quarterfinal
It seemed to be Serandib’s day as their attacks were well worked and had unsettled Red Star in front of home support.
Right on the 37th minute Serandib managed to open the scoring. The goal came from a bad defensive clearance that sent goalkeeper Shifras scrambling to kick the ball out of his area gifting Mohamed Abdulai a chance to direct the ball in to the bottom left hand corner.
Serendib had a few more chances and should have comfortably sealed the game, if it were not for the heroics of keeper Shifras.
A minute before the end of the first half Red Star brought on Aivge Mondesir to extra strengthen the forward line. This tactic seems to settle Red Star’s nerves and they managed to produce calculated attacks and defend incoming treats.
Half time – Red Star SC 0 – 1 Serendib SC
In the second half Red Star seemed a new team and boosted by their home support took control of the game.
They were exceptionally gifted a penalty in the 52nd minute and captain Mohamed Rahman slotted home the equaliser with ease.
Sharp Moragasmulla punish lazy SLTB
From this point onwards Red Star took the game by the scruff of the neck and should have quadrupled their tally. They threw everything at Serandib and somehow the visitors managed to hold on.
Red Star was predominately parked deep inside Serandib’s half, with only the occasional counter attack that never looked like producing a goal scoring opportunity.
By the end of full time the game still did not have a clear winner and went on to extra time.
Full time – Red Star SC 1 – 1 Serendib SC
This still did not produce a winner even though Red Star fully dominated in possession and attacks while heading wide of the goal from close range on many an occasion.
They game had to be decided by a penalty shootout and after five penalties there still was no winner.
It turned to sudden death and keeper Shifras produced a memorable save from a Mohamed Ashir’s penalty, that at first he grasped a hand to guessing the right direction. With a bit of luck the ball came bouncing off the bar and he was able to celebrate a momentous victory that could send them closer to next year’s Dialog Champions League.
Final Score – Red Star SC 1 (6) – 1 (5) Serendib SC
ThePapare.com Man of the Match – Mohamed Shifras
Goal Scorers
Red Star – Mohamed Rahuman
Serendib – Mohamed AbdulaiPenalties
Red Star – Mohamed Rahman, Mohamed Faizal, K.Y.A.Mondesir, Mohamed Rikas, Mohamed Afrar, Mohamed Nusky
Serendib – Mohamed Sheron, Mohamed Abdulai, G.Simon, Mohamed Azwar, Mohamed AliBookings
Red Star – Mohamed Elahi, O.C.Potential
