Zahira College held of a spirited challenge from Maris Stella to secure a semifinal place in the Kotmale Chox U19 Schools Football Championship with a 2-1 win at the Race Course Ground.
Zahira went into half time with a 1-0 lead and extended that to 2-0 but Maris Stella Captain Supun Lahiru created a chance which was scored by Dilip Peiris as the lads from Negombo put the pressure on the Zahirians but were unable to get the equalizer.
The two sides met in the final of the Division I Final end of last year where Zahira won 2-1. Zahira met Maris Stella in last year’s Kotmale Chox semifinal and in that too Zahira won 3-2. Zahira cruised to a 3-0 lead but Maris Stella roared back with two goals, however the comeback came a little too late.
Zahira and Maris Stella possessed Sri Lanka U19 players with the likes of Sri Lanka U19 vice-captain Farood Faiz for Zahira while Maris Stella had Dilip Peiris and Kasun Sandeepa Frnando.
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After a period of early pressure Zahira took the lead in the 11th minute through Mohamed Hammath. Maris Stella had a few chances but was unable to convert them as the first half ended 1-0.
In a thrilling back and forth second half both sides went in search of goals. It was Mohamed Aakib who scored the 2nd for Zahira in the 71st minute but Maris Stella captain set up Dilip Peiris four minutes later to set up a gripping final quarter.
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Though the lads from Negombo tired their level best they were unable to find the equalizer in the dying stages.
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What they had to say;
“We weren’t up to our best in the early going, I agree but I don’t know why. In the second half we played really well but missed a few chances while we missed a few early on. Last time too we missed the chance. This was like a final, when these two sides meet,” Maris Stella Coach added.
“We knew it will be tough against Maris Stella but we took our chances when we created. Both our youngster who scored are U17 players so Zahira is producing good talent for the future as well,” Mohamed Roomy added.
