Ratnam Sports Club and Navy Sports Club recorded wins while Don Bosco and Army Sports Club ended their bitter battle in a draw in the three Dialog Champions League football tournament encounters played yesterday.
In a remarkable comeback, Ravindra Lasantha shot the winning goal for Ratnam SC who drubbed Java Lane by 2 - 1 at the Kelaniya Football Complex. The first half ended in a clean sheet after both teams were deadlocked at 1-all. Striker E.B. Channa made use of a penalty that came in favour of the Ratnams to draw first blood and take an early 1-nil lead. But forward Ramlan Branudeen struck an equalizer when he got a fine pass to execute a spectacular goal.
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| Ratnam’s Anton Ranjan (in blue) and Java Lane’s Mohamed Riskhan vie for a header during their Dialog Champions League encounter at Kelaniya yesterday. (Pic by Amila Prabodha) |
Navy SC made an early strike through J.D. Ratnayake to record thrilling 1-nil win against Blue Star SC at Kalutara. The Sailors who led at half time at 1-nil defended their territory to seal the game in style. Meanwhile at Negombo Army SC hit back with a late penalty through Dunil Perera to end their encounter against Don Bosco with a thrilling 1-all draw. Don Bosco scored early when striker Damayantha Kumara found an opening to thump an early goal as the home team led 1-0 at half time. Don Bosco consolidated their strike when Army SC lost the services of their custodian Lakshitha Jayatunga and one of their defenders. Though Don Bosco made use of the opportunity to dominate the proceedings the Soldiers struck back with a late comeback goal to level the scores.
Keteriyans win Div III title
Meanwhile in the Division III final, Keteriyans Sports Club from Ambalangoda clinched the championship beating Thihariya Youth 1 goal to nil after a stirring encounter at Gampaha yesterday. Thihariya Youth had a massive support from the large crowd of over 5000 spectators but striker R.K. Nishantha turned tables soon after the kick off to help Keteriyans take control. Nishantha utilized the golden opportunity to net the solitary and match winning goal when the game was just three minuets old and defended their territory well while thriving for a second opportunity. Eventually the encounter ended in favour of the Keteriyans who walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 100,000. The finalists who reached the top from over 50 teams from all parts of Sri Lanka will be eligible to play in Division II next season. |
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