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| Tuesday, 30 March 2004 |
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Lankans enter SAFG soccer semis Bernard Perera in Pakistan, Peshawer Monday Sri Lankan soccerites participating in the 9th SAF Games in Pakistan entered the semi-final yesterday beating Nepal one nil in Group 'B' game. Lankans had a tough time in the first session as their opponents never let the Lankans move freely. But the Lankans made a few inroads into rival territory but failed to achieve results due to poor finishing. After around fifteen minutes the Lankan lads took control of the game, while Nepalese who need a win or a draw to keep their place in the semis did everthing possible to halt the Lankan strikers from scoring in the first half. Lankans were taken with a blank score card. The turn around sets Lankans change their pattern of play. This change brought good results in the 12th minute when Latiff Mohamed bashed in a goal for Sri Lanka from 25 metres. Sri Lanka 1, Nepal nil. This lead jointed the hard working Nepalese. But they were never discouraged and went ahead after few minutes with the set game with the intention of obtaining the equaliser. That was never to come for them as the Lankan defence kept a good check on them. Defender Samarajeeva was at his best in the latter part of the game. The last ten minutes saw the Lankan lads move forward to increase the lead, they were very unlucky at this stage when the ball struck the cross bar and rebound back. Sri Lanka came out as winners and making their way to the semis. Nepal who have completed their quota of matches in Group B will go out of the championship with one point gained for a draw with Bhutan on Friday. Sri Lanka will meet Bhutan in Rawalpindi tomorrow. On Sunday Pakistan defeats Afghanistan 3 goals to 2 in a Group A match in Peshawar. Host Pakistan got off to a fine start scoring its first goal in the 5th minute through Muhamed Easa. They went out for the short break Pakistan leading 1-0. Five minutes into the second session Farooz Shah put Pakistan further ahead. Afghans were struggling at this stage as the hosts were on a hot trail looking for more goals. Pakistanis were again successful in finding the net extend their lead through the boot of Muhamed Easa. From this stage onwards Pakistan defended their score by not allowing their opponents to get closer to the scoring range. The Group 'A' match between India and Bangladesh ended in a 0-0 draw on Sunday morning at Rawalpindi Army Stadium. This game saw the Indians struggle to come out of their shells as Bangladeshis went on the attack in the first session. Indians were a little but settled after the turn around and went on a futile attack, and the Bangladesh defenders and the custodian did a good job for their side. Today the games commences with a card seven events. Lankans are billed to compete in these events today. |
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