Kansihka and Ranga boot 2-1 win for CFC
Making their debut in the Division One of the City League Tournament, conducted by the CFL, Colombo Football Club posted a 2-1 win over Cooray SC courtesy of goals from H.V.N. Kanishka and K.V.D.S. Ranga in the final played at the City League Football Complex recently. At half time, Colombo FC had one goal on their slate, while Cooray SC had still to open their account.
Within 10 minutes of the start of play, Colombo FC missed two ‘sitters’. But in the 33rd minute, Kanishka made amends when he thundered the ball past Cooray SC’s custodian Jayalath Perera to make it 1-0.
Hardly has the cheering from the Colombo FC died down, when a brilliant save by goalkeeper M.N.M. Imran prevented Cooray FC from equalizing. But a few minutes later, CFC muffed another chance of adding to their tally and instead of the score being 4-0 when half time caught up, it was 1-0.
When play resumed after the break, Colombo FC was reduced to 10 players when K.G.U.D. Grero was red carded by referee L.K. Udayakantha. In the 82nd minute pf the game, A.M.A. Aslam sent the Cooray FC’s defenders the wrong way and defender K.V.D.S. Ranga put the finishing touches to make it 2-0 for Colombo FC.
In the 89th minute, Cooray SC pulled the lead back when forward A.H.N. Jayaweera broke through the Colombo FC defense and centre forward Iroshana Grero was in the correct position to beat Imran and make it 2-1.
Fired by this goal, Cooray SC launched a withering attack to add to their tally but Colombo FC were not to be denied the fruits of victory and defended with all the soccer skills they could muster to hold onto their 2-1 lead and proudly take home the handsome City League Challenge Trophy, Rs. 30,000/- and the gold medals. Cooray SC were awarded the runners- up challenge Trophy, Rs. 20,000/- and the silver medals.
Both trophies were donated by the President of the Colombo Football League R. Puvanandiran who graced the occasion as the chief guest, while former Sri Lanka goalkeeper Piyadasa Perera was the guest of honour.
The winning team was coached by former Sri Lanka defender M. Roomy.
- BM