Colombo Zahirians clinch Mahmud Trophy

M. Farook LANTRA

The gallant Zahira College, Colombo clinched the Al Haj Badi-Ud-Din Mahmud memorial challenge trophy by beating Zahira College, Gampola by a comprehensive 6 goals to 1 in the second and final leg soccer match played at Zahira Gampola grounds, on 27th December in front of a packed crowd. Zahira Colombo put up a stupendous performance and excelled in all department to beat the first leg winners Gampola Zahira, which was played in Colombo last 6th. It was Zahira Colombo play maker M. N. M. Fazal who goaled a neat pass received by M. Rasheedh at the 12th minute of play. Before lemons 3 goals were netted at regular intervals by centre Fazal again and by their skipper M. Rasheedh, and Gampola Zahira nil.

After the turnaround the Colombo lads scored three more superb goals by winger Shameel Ahamed and two goals by M. N. M. Fazal who was adjudged the most outstanding player of Zahira Colombo. The Gampola Zahira's only goal came through the boots of their skipper M. Farhan who was adjudged best player of Zahira Gampola. (The coach was T. Samath who moulded up Colombo Zahira). This historic annual match was played in a carnival atmosphere at the Gampola Zahira grounds, with colourful decorations and illuminations which was the main attraction for those who thronged from all parts of the country. The chief guest T. K. Azoor (Principal, Zahira Colombo) and A. Haj S. M. A. Shifaya (Principal Gampola Zahira) was given a rousing welcome with the college band in attendance with the members of the band clad in Arabian style.

The highlight of the day was the presence of A. M. Ashroff aged 78, the captain of the Zahira College Gampola soccer team of 1951 who said he was honoured after 57 years, and the memento was presented to him by T. K. Azoor, Principal of Zahira, Colombo. The final was officiated by K. Navaratna.