De Mazenod College v Holy Cross College - Schools Football 2016 - De Mazenod College, Kandana - 06/09/2016 Pramuditha Gunasekara (L) looking for an opening through Dinakara Rodrigo (R).
De Mazenod became the first team of Group C to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Kotmale Chox U19 Schools’ Football Championship 2016 when they defeated Holy Cross College, Kalutara 2-1 at De Mazenod College grounds.
The match began with a goal scored by Pramuditha Gunasekara of De Mazenod when he nudged the low cross by Brian Chiran into the goal giving the hosts the lead in the very first minute.
The Crusaders tried to retaliate when Roshen Subash made a powerful shot at goal but was denied when Ravindu Hansaka’s slip deflected the ball over the goal.
Photos: De Mazenod College v Holy Cross College – Schools Football 2016
Another opportunity for an equalizer was taken way from Holy Cross when Roshen’s header for the corner rebounded off the top post of the goal much to the dismay of the visitors.
The Mazenodians were aggressive and plentiful in attack throughout the rest of the 1st half but failed to find the back of the net once again; Sudan Manitha failed to connect with the brilliant long pass by Brian Chiran in what was their best opportunity to double their lead.
A stunning goal-line clearance by Nirmal Perera from an effort by Thuwan Raheem stopped the Mazenodians again and kept alive the Crusaders hopes of making a comeback.
Mohomed Shahmi was the life and soul of the Crusaders midfield with hard clearances and blocks in defence and long passes and powerful shots in attack. He nearly made the game level when one of his long range diving shots went by the post.
Promod Dilshan, the 15 year old National Team player, playing his first match in the U19 team, nearly made it 2-0 for Mazenod when his long range shot was punched away by the keeper.
Half time – De Mazenod College 1 – 0 Holy Cross College
The second half began with another goal being scored by Pramuditha in the 48th minute when he cleanly slotted the ball into left corner of the goal.
The Mazenodians kept up their attacking strategy and kept on threatening the Crusaders defence whenever they could. But they were denied any opportunity by a strong back four and a keeper who made great saves especially when a beautiful cross by Sudan Manitha was volleyed into the goal by Raheem only to be punched away.
The visitors’ Sandun Ishara made a brave run up the left flank getting past the defender but was stopped before he could make any shot when keeper Supun Harshana deftly slipped in to block his way and collect the ball.
Roshen and Shahmi also made several attempts at goal but were continuously held back by the Mazenodian defence to keep the score at 2-0.
The only goal for the visitors came when Dineth Silva of Holy Cross was tackled from behind by Dileepa Chathuranga in the box giving them a penalty. The goalkeeper Malinda Jayod came all the way from the other side to take the penalty and made a powerful shot to the left to make the score 2-1.
The match ended on the referee’s whistle with De Mazenod making their way into the knockout stage of the Kotmale Chox U19 Schools’ Football Championship for the second time.
Full time – De Mazenod College 2 – 1 Holy Cross College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Pramuditha Gunasekara
Goal Scorers
De Mazenod College – Pramuditha Gunasekara 1’, 48’
Holy Cross College – Malinda Jayod 73’
