Crystal Palace FC overcome Red Sun SC on penalties
View(s):After an exciting and eventful final, which ended in a 1-all draw, Crystal Palace FC overcame Red Sun SC 9-8 on penalties to clinch The Traveler Football Championship in the final played at the Jayathilake Stadium in Nawalapitiya.
Played in front of a large crowd, both teams displayed high skills of football as Red Sun missed out few scoring opportunities. The young set of players of Crystal Palace was gallant in their defence but failed to capitalise in front of an equally matched side. However Red Sun triumphed through a goal from Kumara Jayawickrama in the 20th minute to take the lead as they held on to it until the very end of the second half.
The second half was a total calamity for Crystal Palace, who were overanxious in their effort. Five minutes after the resumption they were reduced to ten men after skipper M. Khalid was sent off for a serious foul. Even with ten players, Crystal Palace defended well until they found the net through M. Shifan in the 78th minute for an equalizer.
Two minutes later Crystal Palace was brought down to nine men after player cum coach C. Wijeratne was sent off for dissent action. Even after their strength was brought down to nine men Crystal Palace managed to hold Red Sun 1-all at fulltime.
FIFA Referee Udyakantha, implemented the penalty tie breaker after the long whistle where Crystal Palace had the luck to beat Red Sun 9-8. Match Commissioner Ruckshan Nazar selected Crystal Palace’s M. Shifan as best player of the final.
Crystal Palace was awarded with The Traveler Championship trophy and a cash reward of Rs. 50000 while runner-up Red Sun was awarded with a trophy and Rs. 25000 in cash. Gamini Perera, SSP Gampola Police Division graced the occasion as chief guest while A. Razak, President Gampola Football League, and Sunil Senaweera, the Secretary of Gampola FL participated as guests of honour.