Lanka remain unbeaten

Bernard Perera in Badulla

The Sri Lankan soccerites maintained an unbeaten record to stay on top of the points table in the South Asian Seven a Side soccer championship played for the Carlton Challenge Trophy at the Vincent Dias stadium in Badulla yesterday.

Lankans first defeated the fancied Bangladeshis two goals to nil after leading one nil at the half time. Both teams played good fast soccer from the start. It was keenly contested and none of the teams could penetrate each others defense lines.

At this stage a Bangladeshi player was penalized by the referee for rough play and the and was awarded a penalty. Lankans made good use of his opportunity to take the lead when G.W. Ransinghe slammed in the goal with brilliant kick to put his side in the lead.

The lemons were taken with Sri Lanka in the lead. Soon after the turnaround the Bangladeshi’s went on the attack but failed to find the equalizer.

In the meantime the Sri Lanka added another goal to enjoy a strong position in the fifth minute visitors were completely demoralized by this situation and were seen going on a full scale attack to make amends. Just two minutes away from the final whistle the visitors managed to reduce the lead. Lankans held on grimly to their lead and ended as victors.

The second game once again the Lankans playing against Nepal came up with fine win to main their top position and also to enter the semi final on the last day of the tournament.

The host will now meet the lowly placed Indians in the semi and is sure to reach the final to meet the winners of the Nepal – Bangladesh game.

The final is scheduled to be played this evening soon after the women’s final between Sri Lanka and India.