by David Thanoon
This week, the Amaanah Lions faced Long Run FC, the runners up from last seasons 4th Division title race.
This was a game head coach Amine Amrouni definitively wanted to cross off the fixture list, with the rumors that the Long Run squad had strengthened since their promotion season last year.
The game started under intense heat which allowed the fit Lions to drain some energy out of the opponents quickly. Although the Lions controlled the pace of the game, Long Run were unfortunate not to score early as their counter attacking play showed early promise. Nonetheless, the Lions back four lead by Miya Thui and Ekh Ya Htoo held off the early surge, with a strong goalkeeping performance from Hla.
As the first half progressed, the Lions started to push their advantage up front. Archit Neopane put the team in front on 20 minutes, replicating a training ground move to break into the box and slot home a low shot, taking the Lions into half time with a one goal lead.
As the second half progressed, Lions controlled the tempo, moving the ball around comfortably in midfield. Long Run had a couple of counter-attacks but struggled to create any real chances.
In the final moments, Michael Hmun intercepted a sloppy ball from the defense and after some quick fire passing, the ball fell again to Archit Neopane, who’s looping shot found the top corner to put the game beyond Log Run’s reach.
Lions finished with the first clean sheet of the season and are tied with Albion Red FC on the top of the table.
Archit Neopane's second goal sealed another win for the Lions.