Two goals from U.L.Nipuna in the final four minutes earned a fighting Isipathana College side a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Wickramabahu Colllege, Gampola in the U19 Div I group stage match at the Weegulawaththa Grounds, Gampola.
This was a must win game for both teams because neither has any wins so far in the tournament. From the kick-off Wickramabahu College on their home ground, entered the game with confidence.
Wickramabahu Center forward N.Kumarasinghe scored the opener in the 11th minute. From there onwards the visitors’ forwards U.L.Nipuna and Mohomed Ushama tried to reach the post with some speedy dribbles and double passes but the hosts’ last defender Harsha Dhananjaya cleared them well.
In the 30th minute Nipuna put in a well-placed cross into the penalty box by beating the defence line but Ushama was unable to convert the easy chance.
In the additional minute of the first half the Gampola lads received a corner kick and T.Hansamal slotted it into goal with the help of some clumsy play by the visitors’ goalkeeper.
Half Time – Wickramabahu College 2 – 0 Isipathana College
In the 2nd half, both teams came played some attacking football with the Wickramabahu forwards trying some long range efforts from outside of the box but the visitors’ goalkeeper Dilmina Kawshika was up to the task.
Isipathana forward Ushama also got some good through passes from his teammates but they were useless due to his bad off-side positioning.
The Gampola lads showed some loose play in the last 10 minutes of the game which paved the way for a Isipathana come back.
Isipathana defender Mohamed Shafeen placed a ball into the hosts’ penalty box and Nipuna placed it towards the far post and scored the first goal for Isipathana in the 77th minute.
Nipuna struck again to stun the hosts in the 79th minute for the equalizer. It was a repeat of the previous goal and was assisted by Ushama.
Full Time – Wickramabahu College 2 – 2 Isipathana College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Harsha Dhananjaya (Wickramabahu College)
Speaking to ThePapare.com, the Coach of Isipathana College Sudath Nanayakkara said;
“I’m happy with today’s performance of our boys because we came to this match with only 11 players, due to some injuries and ID issues. Finally I’m happy with this result especially because this is an away game.”
Goal Scorers
Wickramabahu College – N.Kumarasinghe 11’, T.Hansamal 42’
Isipathana College – U.L.Nipuna 77’ & 79’
