Football: Young Stars and Red Strikers victorious at Matale Mini Futsal

Young Stars and Real Strikers won the Under-12 and Under-14 titles respectively at the Matale United Football Academy Mini Futsal Carnival 2019, concluded at Kohombiliwela in Matale.

Young Star beat Night Killers 3-1 in the Under-12 final while Real Strikers outplayed Crystal Palace 2-0 in the Under-14 final. 

The two-day event conducted by the United Football Academy, Matale exclusively for the players of the academy with Etisalat Abudhabi in UAE and Winluck IT Company in Hong Kong coming forward as main sponsors. 

The event saw the participation of ten teams in the Under-12 category and four teams in the Under-14 category. 

The champions and runners-up of two age groups received trophies, medals and certificates. 

In addition to the Best Player, trophies were awarded to Emerging Players of the two age groups. 

The presentation ceremony held on the evening of the final day was graced by Wasantha Aluvihare, the State Minister of Agriculture as the chief guest. 

Others who were present on the occasion were Rumi Pakeer Ali, the national football coach, Lt. Col S. Pathmanadan, the Director of Beddagana Football Academy, K.M.A. Harris, the President of Matale Football League and other members of the United Football Academy and Matale Football League. 

Results 

Under-12 

Final: Stars (M.F. Yoosuf 2, M. Afrid 1) beat Night Killers 3-1 

Semi-finals 
Night Killers beat Flying Rockets 2-1 
Young Stars beat Y.M.F.C. 1-0 
Best Player: Mohomed Ridwan (YMFC) 

Emerging Players: M.F. Yoosuf (Young Stars), M. Umran (Flying Rockets) 

Under-14 
Champions: Real Strikers 
Runners-up: Crystal Palace 
Best Player: M. Hilsam (Panther League)