Football: Renown crash to unexpected defeat in CFL President's Cup opener

efending joint champions Renown SC suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of Java Lane in an unexpected manner in the opening game of City Football League President’s Cup Championship at the City Football League grounds in Slave Island on Saturday (11). 

Java Lane led 3-0 until the last few minutes.

Then Renown scored in the dying minutes – 86th and 90th minutes and cut down the lead to 2 goals to 3. 

Renown were runners-up in the Dialog Champions League competition which concluded last week. 

In the last edition held in 2016 Colombo FC and Renown emerged joint champions. 

Six teams are taking part in the tournament. 

They are: Group A – Renown, Java Lane and Cooray SC. 

Group B- Colombo FC, Moragasmulla SC and Saunders. 

Java Lane led 1-0 in the first half. 

The first goal was netted in the 23rd minute through Jude Nicholas, the second was in the65th minute by Emanuel Uchenna and the third goal was by Mohammed Aleem in the 82nd minute. Renown’s goals were by Mohammed Fasal (86th minute) and M.K.M.Rifnas (90th minute). 

On Sunday (12) Colombo FC will take on Moragasmulla SC at 3.30pm at the City League ground.