Zahira College once again produced a masterclass of attacking football as they ran out dominant 3-0 winners against St.Patrick’s College in the final of the 2016 Kotmale U19 Schools’ Football Championship at the Durayappah Stadium in Jaffna.
With this win they reclaimed the throne they lost to St.Henry’s College in the 2015 final.
Shafran Sathar’s goal gave the winners a 1-0 lead at half time before Mohamed Shaheel doubled the lead in the 51st minute. Zahira put the result beyond doubt with the 3rd goal in the 80th minute through Mohamed Hammath.
From the first whistle it was the Zahirians who started to dominate and they almost came close to scoring in the first minute as Mohamed Murhid’s close range kick was well saved by Patrician goal keeper A.Pirunthapan.
Four minutes later Zahirian midfielder Mohamed Shaheel’s free kick from 22 yards hit the right post and came into play and the Patricians managed to clear the ball before the Zahira forwards could reach the ball.
In the 19th minute another attempt from Murhid was well saved by Pirunthapan.
Two minutes later Patricians penetrated the defence of Zahira and came very close to score, but the Zahira custodian, Kaleel Ur Rahuman put up a brave effort to save it and by doing so got wounded on his face. After the first aid he continued to do his duties perfectly.
From there onwards both teams hunted to score but most of the time the Patricians were caught off side and their chances of scoring never came true.
In the 35th minute of the game the Zahirians combined well to score. Skipper Farood Faiz and Shaheel combined well to take the ball from midway and Shaheel sent a neat pass to Murshid who was unmarked and he in turn sent a cross and Shafran Sathar slotted the ball into the goal to give Zahira one nil lead.
Zahira pressed hard to increase the lead but the defenders and the goalkeeper of St. Patrick’s thwarted their chances. On the other hand St. Patrick’s forwards failed miserably by just kicking the ball here and there while on some occasions caught in the off side trap.
Half time – St.Patrick’s College 0 – 1 Zahira College
After the breather Zahirians continued their dominance and six minutes into play Shaheel scored a well-timed goal with a curving free kick from 25 yards out on the left flank.
With this goal the supporters and spectators around five thousand started leaving the stadium with disappointment.
Yet the game was played with both teams trying to score but both goalkeepers were well on target that brought off some fine saves.
However in the 80th minute Shaheel was once again the architect as he showed his experience with a fine free kick which saw Mohamed Hammadh’s slicing header giving Zahira the third goal.
Full time – St.Patrick’s College 0 – 3 Zahira College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Mohamed Shaheel (Zahira Colege)
FFSL Man of the Final – Mohamed Shaheel
FFSL Best Goalkeeper – Kaleel Ur Rahuman (Zahira College)
Goal Scorers
Zahira College – Shafran Sathar 35’, Mohamed Shaheel 51’, Mohamed Hammadh 80’
