Ratnam SC crushed Kirulapone United while New Star edged Old Bens in a goal-fest to book a place in the Colombo Football League Gold Cup final.
Ratnam stinging from the FA Cup exit at the hands of Kirulapone United a couple of weeks earlier, showed no mercy to their foes in a 4-1 win while New Star’s two 2nd half goals gave them a 4-2 win against Old Bens in the two semi-finals, at the Football Complex in Baddegana.
Ratnam SC v Kirulapone United
Ratnam were knocked-out in the FA Cup 5th round on penalties but they got off to the better start with a goal in the 10thminute by Mohamed Shiraz. Nine minutes later Mohamed Khan equalized for Kirulapone United.
However United could muster only that goal as Ratnam scored a further three before half time.
Mohamed Shakeel scored the 2nd in the 30th minute while Mohamed Akil added the 3rd seven minutes later. Two minutes before half time Shiraz scored his second and his side’s 4th to bury the game even before half time.
United tightened the defense in the 2nd half but were unable to score as the match ended 4-1 after a goalless second half.
New Star v Old Bens
In a thrilling 2nd semi-final both sides were locked two goals apiece at halftime.
Old Bens were the first to score as early as in the 3rd minute through Asel Perera and looked comfortable doubling the lead in the 19th minute from a Darshana Rajasekara goal.
New Star then got into work with Mohamed Shufeeq halving the lead in the 28th minute and Nizam Safan equalized six minutes later.
New Star continued their resurgence in the 2nd half with Mohamed Rahman scoring in the 57th minute, with it the lead.
It was an end to end match thereafter but with Old Bens searching for an equalizer and pushing men forward they were thin in defense. Taking advantage New Star put the game to bed with Badani Ilhany scoring the 4th in the 89th minute.
