Ravindra, Channa secure Ratnam's place in final

Yasaratne GAMGE

Ravindra Lasantha and E B Channa assured a place for Ratnam SC in the Dialog Champions of Champions final when the duo scored two marvellous goals in the last five minutes in the second semi final against Don Bosco SC at the City Football Complex. Ratnam will meet Sri Lanka Navy in the final which will be played on March 17 at the same venue.Earlier a week ago the sailors defeated Army SC 1-0. The anticipated football environment in a semi final where two leading football clubs were vying was not evident from both teams in the second semi final.

It was a game of wasted chances and until last five minutes the match seemed heading for a penalty shoot out, not because of the competitiveness but merely a dull display of football. Defending champion Don Bosco, failed to apply much pressure on Ratnam who in turn responded with the same attitude.

It all changed in the 85th minute Lasantha made sure the cross by Chryshantha Abeysekara passed the goal keeper.

A few minutes later Abeysekara again helped Channa to score the second goal for Ratnam.