Renown Blues top UTF League
View(s):Renown Blues, who were hoping to make five-out-of-five wins, dominated proceedings in the first half but were thwarted by the Colombo Kickerz goalkeeper and a solid defence as the first half ended scoreless. In the second half Colombo Kickerz grew into the game and took the lead through a bullet shot from the halfway line by M. Afthi.
Rahlaa Mursheed, the energetic girl among boys, was named Player of the Match - Pic courtesy Renown FA
It looked as it would be the defining goal before Rahlaa Mursheed equalised with a similar long range shot. It was refreshing to see Rahlaa make a big difference in a deciding game considering girls were allowed to play in the league with the main goal of promoting unity and empowerment through football. Renown FA Blues and Colombo Kickerz finished in the first two positions in the UTF League as both teams remain unbeaten throughout the tournament. Rahlaa and Akram Ahamed from Renown Blues were named the best players of the match.
In the second match Java Lane beat Renown FA ‘Whites’ by 1-0, after taking the lead through a goal by Nehan Amzil, a lead which they held on till the end of the match despite several attempts by Renown Whites. Amzil was named the player of the match as Java Lane finished third in the UTF League after a slow start while Renown Whites finished at fourth.
In the last match, hosts for the week Cooray FA met Henry Pedris FA, as the game ended in a 1-all draws. Henry Pedris FA took the lead through a well taken goal by M.C. Rishi, while Cooray FA equalised at the end through a goal by player of the match Ramzan Ryhan. Cooray FA finished fifth in the UTF League while Henry Pedris FA completed at sixth.
“Most coaches, parents and fans felt the players had improved due to the regular weekly matches and likewise the teams had started to play with more team work. The UTF League was a true success with matches being hosted in hotbeds of Colombo football like City League ground, Cooray Park as well as regular rugby venues like Havelocks and CR&FC which has attracted more kids into football,” noted Vincent Sritharan Peeris, the President of Renown FA, the organisers of the UTF League.
The UTF League will conclude a with a one-day carnival at Racecourse ground and will also be expanded into other age groups according to the organisers Renown FA and Unity Through Football, their social project which is backed by several international football and social entities.