St.Patrick’s College qualified for the semi-final of the Kotmale Chox Schools U19 Football Championship when they edged out Hameed Al Husseine College 3-1 in the penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in the 90 minutes at the City League Football Complex in Colombo.
The knockout stages of the Kotmale Chox under 19 Schools Football Championships started with aplomb at the City League Football Complex with the much-fancied Hameed Al Husseine College taking on St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna.
Photo Album: St.Patrick’s v Hameed Al Husseinie | Kotmale Chox U19 QF 1
The game started off with a bang as the Hameedians netted the opener as early as the 6th minute. Skipper Mohammed Amaan was at the right place at the right time to tap home after a scramble at the goalmouth.
Hameed Al Husseine College bossed possession from there on in as their midfield showed the difference in class in comparison to their opponents. Following an elongated period of end to end action where neither team was able to really impose themselves, the next significant action was when the first booking of the game was brandished with, Mohammed Rishan of Hameed Al Husseine College receiving a yellow for a late challenge.
St. Patrick’s College slowly grew into the game as it went on with their fitness levels really showing in the latter stages of the half, having a few chances to come close. The Jaffna lads also had a penalty shout denied when Hameedians’ custodian Mahendran Dinesh brought a man down inside the box.
Hameed responded as they do with waves of attack and nearly reaped rewards in the 45th minute when Sandaru netted a goal which unfortunately, was disallowed. St. Patrick’s took this as motivation and went up the other end to earn a corner. The ball from the right fell to Abeeshan, who was comfortable in between two defenders to head home.
Half Time – St.Patrick’s College 1 – 1 Hameed Al Husseinie
The second half started off with the lads from Jaffna looking the livelier of the two sides. This was not for long however as Hameedia quickly imposed themselves on the game. The first chance of the game fell to the Colombo lads when Sandaru cushioned Rishan’s cross just over the bar.
With the game slowly opening up, the gulf of quality between the lads from Jaffna and Colombo was evident. Hameed continued their offensive with Rishan being their main penetrative tool. St. Patrick’s meanwhile showed a lack of tactical nous when they resorted to a number of fouls to cover up for their lack of defensive discipline.
With the backdrop of an increasingly vociferous crowd, it looked as if Hameed Al Husseine College found a new lease of life and a renewed sense of urgency. Around the 70 minute mark, the Colombo lads took aim with a free kick in a promising position, only for Mohammed Fazil’s effort to be directed at the keeper.
With the pressure of facing elimination increasing, the Hameedians looked like the side that did want to go after the win during regulation time. However as the game drew to a close, both sides seemed to shut shop and commit in numbers to protecting their goal as they awaited the penalty shootout.
Full Time – St.Patrick’s College 1 – 1 Hameed Al Husseinie
St. Patrick’s College took the first penalty but to their dismay, Anton Subash put his shot wide, giving the Colombo lads the upper hand.
St. Patrick’s then clawed back into the lead after their keeper Pirunthapan pulled off save after save to the horror of Hameedians’ supporters.
With victory one kick away, Shanthan stepped up but saw his effort saved.
Dinesh however soon found out that he had overstepped the mark and needed to have the penalty retaken and Shanthan made no mistake with his second effort.
Penalty Shootout – St.Patrick’s College 3 – 1 Hameed Al Husseinie
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – A.Pirunthapan (St.Patrick’s College)
