Kasun a doubtful starter for FA Cup final

Bernard PERERA

Sri Lanka's most prestigious soccer championship the Holcim FA Cup final between seven time champions Ratnam SC from Kotahena and Sri Lanka Army is scheduled to kick off at 3.30 p.m. today at the redeveloped city league football ground.

The Kotahena Club come out to the field as favourites looking at the previous records. Army on the other side come to the final with confidence to win the Trophy for the first time. According to latest reports Ratnam SC is facing a problem as their main striker Kasun Jayasuriya is to undergo knee surgery and is a doubtful starter. His absence today will be an advantage for the Soldiers, and Izzadeen will have to come up with fine performance to strike goals for his side.

Lot of pressure will go out from the Army defence with the exit of Kasun from the Ratnam SC. It was also good news for the Kotahena Club that their top players and national skipper Chathura Maduranga has returned to the island. But he can be used if he receives the green light from the FIFA with the removal of his international licence.

It is left for the soldiers to play their best game today taking Kasun's absence as the best advantage to take the FA Cup to the Army headquarters today.