Zahira soccer champs

Anuradha Abeysekara

Zahira College, Colombo scored two goals to nil against Hameed Al Hussseini College on their way to victory in the ‘Best Deal Challenge Trophy ‘invitation schools’ soccer final match at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. Zahira’s number 11 Ahamed Shazni was the Best Player of the final match who bagged both goals, one in the 37th minute of the first half and the other in the 57th minute during the second half. He also won the Highest goal scorer of the tournament award scoring six goals. Zahirans took early control of the final match and never allowed to lose their grip.

More than 15,000 spectators flocked to witness the final match and it was after a long time such a crowd gathered to a local soccer match.

Lumbini College, Colombo became the 2nd runner up who beat the Holy Cross College, Kalutara (2/1) in the third place fight. An exhibition match was played between Colombo and Kandy veteran’s teams and Colombo team won the match 4/0.

The tournament was organized by the Group of 80’s of the Hameed Al Husseinie College with the theme of ‘Goals for Education’ for the fourth consecutive year as a fund raiser to develop the school.

Altogether 20 schools participated in this year’s tournament.

Principal of Hammed Al Husseinie College M H M Sakariya gave away the Champion and runner up trophies.

Awards:

Best Player of the final match: Ahamed Sazni (Zahira College)

Best goal keeper of the tournament: Arshad Mather Khan (Zahira College)

Highest goal scorer of the tournament: Ahamed Shazni (Zahira College)

Most valubal player of the tournament: T Irshad (Hameed Al Husseini College)

Most skillful player of the tournament: Randika Perera (Hameed Al Husseini College)