Renown FA emerges Langkawi Cup runners-up in Malaysia
View(s):They beat Kenari Kids Langkawi (6-0), Kedawang FC (2-0), FCKL Falcons (6-0) and Raisuri Study Germany of Malaysia (2-1) to set up a semi-final clash against Bayas Junior, who were beaten by the Sri Lanka side by 2-0 to reach the final. In the final they met FCSA from Malaysia. After a close battle which ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, the final outcome was determined through penalties kickoffs. Unfortunately the Sri Lankan boys lost the shootout 2-3 to finish as runners-up of the tournament.
Renown FA recorded a series of outstanding achievements from their Under-15 and Under-16 teams in international tournaments this year. They finished third in Plate category in the Man City Abu Dhabi Cup, organised by Premier League champions Manchester City, beating teams from England, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
In the Penang Cup in Malaysia they finished third in the Cup category. This outstanding performance at the Langkawi Cup is the first time an academy team from Sri Lanka finished as runners-up in the Cup category in a prestigious youth football tournament.
Renown were the top scorers in their age group with 19 goals and conceded the least number of goals, which was an impressive two. The custodian of Renown FA, Shaathin Shaheed was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
The Langkawi Cup was staged for Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 age groups and more than 100 teams taking part in the tournament held at the picturesque Langkawi Stadium. The tournament was conducted by Maxim Events, the largest youth football tournament organiser in Malaysia, who conduct the competitions under the approval of the Football Association of Malaysia.
The tournament was endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Naturally Langkawi. The team, after their outstanding performance, returned to the island on Tuesday night.
Renown FA was represented by Akein Ekanayake, Mohamed Adnaan, Nathan Christopher, Senal Arsecularatne, Muhammed Nafhan, Mohamed Muaaz, Shaathin Shaheed, Hazeem Mohamed and Mujahidh Mohamed with Mahinda Galagedera accompanying the side as the Technical Advisor and V. Sritharan Peeris, the President, Renown FA, joining the touring party as team officials.