POLICE-SAUNDERS CLASH IN FA CUP FINAL TODAY
Two of the oldest football clubs in Sri Lanka, Saunders Sports Club and Sri Lanka Police Sports Club will face off in the final of the 2019 Vantage FA Cup Football Tournament final which will take place at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo today commencing at 7.30 p.m.
On their way into the final, Saunders SC beat Moragasmulla SC 1-0, Mawanella United SC 4-1, Java Lane SC 3-0 on penalties, Sea Hawks SC 1-0 and in the semi-finals they beat Blue Eagles 5-1.
Police SC on their way into the final beat Old Duthians SC 5-1, SLTB 2-1, Defenders SC 5-4 on penalties, and Civil Security Force SC 5-2.
In the semi-finals, Police SC beat Blue Star SC Kalutara 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the final.
Saunders SC will be captained by Indrajeeva Udara while Police will be skippered by Chamika Kumara.
Saunders SC Captain Udara said that they are determined to conclude the tournament on a high and regain the FA Cup.
“We have some good players and we are banking heavily on star player Sundararj Niresh who has scored the most number of goals for the team.”
“Last time we were the runnersup but this time we are determined to come on top and regain the trophy,” he added.
Meanwhile, Police SC Captain Kumara also said that they are confident of lifting the trophy despite the odds against them.
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has introduced two new awards this year namely the Fair Play Award and an Emerging Player Award.
In addition, the Golden Boot, the Golden Glove and the Golden Bowl Awards too will be awarded.
The Vantage FA Cup winning team will receive a cash award of Rs. 750,000. The runner-up will receive a cash award of Rs 500,000.
In the history of the FA Cup, Saunders SC have emerged champions on 16 occasions.
Police SC have been competing in the FA Cup since 1948 and only once in 2008 have they won the title when they defeated Civil Security SC in the final.