Zahira, Bens to contest final

Bernard PERERA

Zahira College entered the final of the Invitation Schools Soccer Championship beating Hameed Al Husseinie College by three goals to two in a thrilling game.

Zahira holders of the title for the last two years will now meet last year’s opponents in the final St. Benedict’s College on Sunday at Sugathadasa Stadium.

Al Husseinie took the lead through a goal scored by M.A.M. Sabreen off a penalty kick. But they could not hold on to his lead as M. Siraj found the equalizer 1-1.

Just minutes away from the break Hammed Al Husseinie got into the lead once again when M.A.M. Yazir found the net 2-1.

After the turn around Zahirians got their act together and posed a big threat to their opponents. This also made the game interesting as both teams fought a good battle.

M. Aslam found the equalizer with around 20 minutes to the final whistle.

Both teams attacked each others territory with the hope of scoring the winning goal.

Zahira obtained it with seven minutes for the final whistle when Sashmi sealed victory and helped for his side enter the final.

The winner will receive the ‘Best Deal’ Cup on Sunday. The other co-sponsors of the tournament are Embassy Shipping, African Cargo, Nolimit and Embassy Transport.

St. Benedict’s College scraped through to the final of the All Island School Invitation Soccer Championship for the Best Deal Cup yesterday beating Zahira College, Mawanella at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Bens won at the last minute of the game through a penalty awarded to them. The soccer were level at two-all a minute before the final.

Bens played a good game in the first part of the play and went to a 2-0 lead before the break.

They had possession but failed to capitalize as the custodian played a big role in saving many attempts from the Bens strikers. After the break Zahirians took control of the game and displayed good soccer giving a scare to Bens. Their attempt brought in good results when their skipper and main striker M.J.M. Zamees found the net to reduce the lead 2-1.

Referee penalised the Bens’ defender for rough play and awarded a penalty for the visitors.

Once again it was Zameel who made no mistake with the kick and found the equalizer 2-2. All in all both teams displayed good soccer.