Reigning Champions Maris Stella College, Negombo eased past Isipathana College, Colombo 3-0 score line in a U19 Division I group A tie worked off at St. Mary’s Grounds in Negombo.
After an identical score in their previous encounter against Kingswood College, Kandy (3-0) Maris Stella came into this clash with a hundred percent with a victory guaranteeing top spot and a prized position in the semifinals. Isipathana on the other hand played out yet another stalemate against Wickramabahu College, Gampola (2-2) with victory eluding them in this year’s competition.
Roaring Wickramabahu comeback shocks Kingswood
Wickramabahu College scored twice late in the game as they came from two goals down to draw 3-3 against Kingswood College.
Both teams were rather lackluster during the early exchanges of the tie. However, Sri Lanka U19 cap Anjana Gunawardena displayed a moment of magic on the 28th minute to break the deadlock giving the hosts the lead.
Despite a few openings Isipathana couldn’t bring things back to level terms before the break as the latter stages of the game yet again proved to be a crowd killer as Maris Stella walked into the hut with a slender advantage.
Half time – Maris Stella College 1 – 0 Isipathana College
With Isipathana chasing yet another game from behind they set foot into the second half with a bit more bite and intent. On the stroke of the 56th minute Mohomed Ushama squandered a golden opportunity to pull things back for the visitors.
The game took a nasty turn during the second half as a few hasty challenges were thrown around by both sets of players. The referee however kept his card in the pocket and allowed the game to flow with the right intensity.
As Maris Stella picked up their pace after a few close shaves, they finally managed to capitalize on an opportunity when Nishan Fernando slotted the ball home in the 70th minute. Noteworthy, an offensive mistake from Isipathana caused the break which resulted in the hosts doubling their advantage.
Minutes after Maris Stella put the game to bed as a rising head settled the scores on the day for the hosts’ who booked their semifinal in style. Although Mohomed Ushama showed some charater and fight up front for Isipathana the Maris Stella custodian stood in his way in adding a consolation for the distraught visitors.
Full time – Maris Stella College 3 – 0 Isipathana College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Anjana Gunawardana (Maris Stella College)
Speaking to ThePapare.com the coach of Maris Stella College;
“Despite securing our semifinal place we aren’t satisfied with our performance today but are intentions are to secure the title this year.”
Speaking further, He mentioned that until group B ties are done nothing can be disclosed clearly regarding the tournament.
Goal Scorers
Maris Stella College – Anjana Gunawardana 28’, Krishan Fernando 70’, Shanon Charuka 73’
