Lanka in next round of AFC Challenge
Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka a 2 all draw:
Ranjan ANANDAPPA
Sri Lanka found a place in the next stage of the AFC Challenge Cup
Qualifier 2009 by virtue of holding Pakistan for a 2 all draw in their
crucial football match played at the Sugathadasa Stadium under lights
yesterday.
The Lankans had collected 7 points to Pakistan’s 6 as both teams
remained unbeaten, and the Pakistanis had to beat the Lankans if they
were to proceed to the next stage of the tournament.
The home team sprang into the lead almost with the kick off when they
were awarded a free kick and Chatura Maduranga taking it out side the
box, lobbed in a well calculated kick for Rohana Ruwanthileka to
complete the header which beat the Pakistan custodian.
Sri Lanka led 1\0 at the breather. On resumption both teams played at
a moderate pace and identical fashion, and nothing spectacular happened.
The Sri Lanka team almost paid the penalty for going on the
defensive. Two goals in rapid succession by Safi Ullah and Mohammed
Rashil within three minutes almost took Sri Lanka’s chances away in
entering the next round.
But during the dying stages of the game, Dinu Hettiarachchi headed
one into the net to score the equalizer. |