Zahira-Bens clash in Reborn Cup final

Bernard PERERA

Zahira College, Colombo holding on to their unbeaten record came up with another sterling performance yesterday to beat De Mazenod College, Kandana five goals to three in the semi-final of the Reborn Cup Soccer Championship under lights at Sugathadasa Stadium.

In the earlier game St. Benedict’s College came out as victors beating Isipathana College two goals to one at the same venue.

As expected Zahirians who entered the field as favourites got off to an early lead in the second minute through the goal scored by their skipper M.N.M. Rasheed. Twenty two minutes later once again he found the net to put his side in a strong position. With two minutes left for lemons Zahirians got their third goal from the boot of M.C.M. Rizmy.

During this session Mazenodians missed two golden opportunities of scoring. They were defending more than going on the attack and did not combined well to put pressure on their opponents. This resulted in Zahirians having the upper hand.

After the turn around Mazenodians came back into the game with a different frame of mind. This brought them good results with three goals being scored by P.A.D. Madusanka (36), Kasun Chamara (46) and M.D. Harshana de Mel (55) to came to level terms.

At this stage the play-maker for the Zahira team M.N.M. Fazal who failed in the first session found the net a minute later through a penalty taken by him which also put his tally to 14 goals. In the dying stage once again Fazal collecting the ball from a melee dribbled past the defenders to score his 15th goal and sealed the game in their favour to enter the final.

M.R. Ranjith controlled the game.

Bens into final

Meanwhile St. Benedict’s College made sure of their berth in the final beating Isipathana College to enter the final scheduled for Sunday. They will confront the strong outfit from Zahira College, Maradana.

Both teams failed to score in the first half of play as they adopted defensive tactics. But after the turn around Isipathana in quick time got off to a lead 1-0. When D.C.M.M. Fonseka found the net Bens sensing the situation unfavourable adopted new tactics and got the equaliser in only four minutes through G. Dilan Victoria.

A tense battle was seen there onwards with Isipathana defenders working hard to halt Bens from scoring. Janith Piumal who worked well during the whole match with few minutes left for the final whistle put his side in front. This also sealed victory for the Kotahena school. Piumal’s hard work was rewarded when he was declared, the man of the match.

Priyanga Pieris controlled the game

Final on Sunday

Sunday’s final between Zahira College, Colombo and St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena is sure to attract the crowd as both teams are famous for their high class soccer.

Zahirian came out for this game with a fine record scoring 25 goals in only three games. They have kept this record with their play-maker M.N.M. Fazal scoring 15 goals for his side.

The Bens on the other side too are capable of producing the soccer in front of their opponents. If they really mark the play-maker Fazal and skipper Rasheed they will be able to halt the goal hungry Zahirians to a low score. While doing they also will have go on the attack to get off to a lead at the early stage.

Bens depend mainly on their strikers Janith Piumal and Pasindu Tharaka to deliver the goods.

The teams on this day come out to maintain the supremacy they have gained through the years. Soccer crazy fans from Kotahena and Maradana are sure to witness a top class game of soccer at Sugathadasa Stadium commencing 5 p.m.

Nirmala Kotalawala, Minister for Education will be the chief guest at the final and give away the awards.

Zahira College from M.N.M. Rasheedh (Capt.), M.N.M. Fazal, A. Nejeemullah, M.C.M. Rizny, M.R.M. Rizny, M.N.M. Hijaz, M.F.M. Fayazil, M.M.M. Sameer, M.R.M. Safran, M. Abul Khair, M.N.M. Naflan, M.S.M. Rilwan, Shameel Ahamed, M.M.M. Nishad, Osman Zaky, M.M.M. Arshad, A.M.A. Aslam, M.M.M. Sadam.

St. Benedict’s College from H.P. Nishan Madushanka, K. Rumesh Shalinda, W.M. Tharindu Rukmal (Capt.), T.G. Jerom Grero, D.R.M. Sanjaya Gihan, M. Richard, Pasindu Tharaka, Asela Tharanga, S.S.N. Madushanka, H. Harshana Dishan, S. Kamaldeen, S. Chandrasiri, S. Buddika, Janith Piumal, Susitha Priyankara, Lahiru Dananjaya, George Dilan Victoria, P.M. Rajitha Suranga.