Sri Lanka Air Force created history as they defeated last year’s AFC President’s Cup runners-up KRL (Khan Research Laboratories) football club from Pakistan 3-0 to qualify for the final round of the AFC President’s Cup.
This is the first time in the 75 year long history of Sri Lanka Air Force that they qualified for the final round of this tournament. Needing a win in their final group A match the Air Men decimated the much fancied KRL team inside the first 10 minutes scoring all three goals.
Duminda Fernando gave the hosts the perfect start scoring the opener in the 3rd minute after some brilliant work done from the middle. Hashan Dharshaka doubled the lead in the 7th minute and the ever impressive Kavindu Ishan added the third in the 9th minute to leave the visitors shell shocked.
After the initial carnage KRL got their defensive act together to hold off the marauding Air Force but lacked attacking ability. The Air Force to their credit didn’t take their foot off peddle as they attacked whenever they had the ball. Young Kavindu Ishan who created havoc for the KRL defenders down the right wing.
This was a huge morale boosting win for the Air Men going into the uncharted land of the final round of the President’s Cup especially after being comprehensively beaten 5-0 by Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra Limited from Bangladesh in their previous match.
The well experienced Serbian Dragan Dukanovic who coaches the Bangladesh club Sheikh Russel KC has coached international stars such as Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Manchester City’s Alexander Kolorav guided the Shiekkh Russel KC side to their first ever Bangladesh Premier League and Federation Cup championship in his first season.
From group A Sri Lanka Air Force and Shiekkh Russel KC qualified for the final round with two wins from their three matches.
