Blue Star face tough opposition in semis
 

Bernard Perera in Nepal Kathmandu, Wednesday

Sri Lanka's Blue Star SC which entered the semi-final on Monday beating Cambodia one goal to nil will come up against tough opposition today in the first semi-final at Dasrath Stadium when they confront Tajikistan at 4 p.m.

Lankans who entered the semis after a strong comeback are in top form according to their manager, Mohamed Bakesh.

He said that Chathura Maduranga who was injured in the first game has completely recovered. He is a player a team needs at mid-field. He is capable of moving into any particular position according to the situation. His entry in also a strength to the team, said Bakesh.

Blue Star players had a morning workout under coach Upul Premalal and he is also of the view that all are keeping fit for the game.

All Nepalese are quite happy to see Lankan in semis. Tajikistan reached the semis with two victories and a loss in three of their outings.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka too had the same record. There only loss was to Kyrgyzstan which was the strongest team in Group B. When the Lankans lost this game with a big margin 8-1, everyone expected Sri Lankans to be out of the championship. This disproved when the Lankan fought back gallantly in their next game to oust Cambodia from the tourney.

The manager Bakash said this game will be considered as a another game and the boys are ready to play according to the situation. We are unable to plan the game, because Tajikestan is a side with many advantages. Due to this the management decided to ask players to play as a team to suit the situation.

If this works we are sure to teach the final is scheduled for Saturday. The second semi-final is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. at the same venue with battle on between Nepal the host country and Kyrgyzstan the table leaders in Group 'B'.

The teams from Pakistan, Bhutan, Cambodia and Chinese Taipei that failed to reach the semi-finals left for their respective countries last morning.

A capacity crowd is expected for today's games in Nepal.