FA CUP 2011:

Keen tussle expected in today’s Cup final

Bernard Perera

The final of the Holcim FA Cup between Sri Lanka Army and Don Bosco Sports Club is scheduled to be played today at the City Football Complex commencing at 3.30 pm.

On paper both teams are equally balanced as few national players provide their services for these teams. All these players gained lot of experience playing against Philippines during the World Cup qualifying round in Sri Lanka and Philippines.

Army’s three national players are defender Sanka Wijesiri, Bandara Warakagoda and Mohamed Izzadden. Meanwhile the team is strengthen by M Fazal who has been a good striker along with M Hashimdeen and M de Silva.

This set of strikers have paved the way for the Army to reach the final in grand style. In the meantime their defenders too have performed well holding the fort well to thwart stall their opponents from scoring. With these factors the Army has a slight advantage in today’s game. Soldiers under the guidance of experienced coach Major S. Pathmanathan.

Army destroyed star studded Police in the semi-finals which was played in Jaffna 5 goals to nil in front of a massive crowd. The Army forwards combined well and at lemons was 3–0.

Don Bosco SC though entered the final could not score goals like their opponents in the final. It too has a fine set of experienced strikers who has done well this season for the Club to rise to great heights in the past few seasons.

The inclusion of the Former national Youth player Thejan Frnando who has returned from Portugal after a playing football for a Club there will add extra strength to the Negombo team. He is expected to come out with everything he gained by playing in Portugal.

He combines well with Sri Lanka national player Dilki Fernando Don Bosco can pose a big threat to the soldiers. In addition the pint sized Bandara and Matara boy, Weerappuli too make a big impact with their fine play to penetrate the defence line of the Army.

Dilki Fernando Phillip Dalpadado will man the defence line of the Don Bosco which looks a formidable one that is difficult go beyond. Don Bosco custodian also played a major role in restricting the opponents from scoring freely and if perform the same feet this final could be a battle that cannot be predicted by any one.