After normal time ended goalless, it took a nerve wracking penalty shootout to separate the sides as Hameed Al Husseinie College triumphed 5-4 over Maris Stella College, Negombo in the President’s Cup final played at the Race Course International Stadium last evening.
Hameed Al Husseinie were quick to settle down as they ran at their opponents amid a cracking atmosphere as the tournament hosts were backed by a full house.
Their opponents, Maris Stella however didn’t seemed to be fazed by the occasion as they held firm at the back. Mohomed Rishan provided the spark on the right for the Hameedians as he looked menacing every time he darted forward.
There were no clear cut chances in the 1st half despite both teams playing a rich brand of football as both defenses held firm.
Half time: Hameed Al Husseinie College 0 – 0 Maris Stella College
After a much needed breather at the end of an enthralling first half, both teams set out quite positively in the second as both sets of offensive players wanted to make amends for a goalless start to the game.
The Hameedians had the best share of opportunities despite the Maris Stella defense mopping up in the nick of time. Mohomed Rishan ones again proved to be the thorn in the flesh for the Maris Stella defense, weaving his way passed defenders, only to see his crosses go unchallenged across the face of the goal.
The final few minutes proved to be chaotic as both teams just threw the kitchen sink at their opponents via the long ball. The final whistle stated the imminent as penalties seemed the only way to separate the sides.
Full time: Hameed Al Husseinie College 0 – 0 Maris Stella College
Maris Stella stepped forward to take the first penalty as A.S Praveeth faced off against Mahendran Dinesh. Praveeth succumbed to the occasion as his shot flew miles over the target, handing an instant advantage to the Hameedians.
The next 8 penalties were successful for both teams as Hameedian skipper Mohomed Aman stepped out to seal the deal for his team with the tenth penalty of the shootout; the tally stood at 4-4.
However, Mohomed Aman found V. Fernandopulle in goal with a poor effort as Maris Stella were handed a life line by their keeper.
Their joy was short lived howeveras Shane Daberera skied the very next penalty to hand the advantage back to Hameed Al Husseinie.
Afzal Ahamed stepped up for the Hameedians this time around and made no mistake as he buried his penalty in the back of the net, sending the home fans into frenzied celebration.
Penalty shootout: Hameed Al Husseinie 5 – 4 Maris Stella College
ThePapare.com player of the match: Mohomed Rishan (Hameed Al Husseinie College)
Speaking to ThePapare.com the coach of Hameed Al Husseinie Mohomed Imran said, “We wanted to win the game during regulation time but they (Maris Stella College) were strong in defense. I wanted my team to attack but once they were in the middle they were cautious because they were conscious about defending their lines which I can understand. I had a lot of faith interms of winning the game be it in normal time or in penalties so I’m happy for my team”
Awards
His Excellency President Maithreepala Sirisena was present at the occasion to hand over the winners prizes in front of a packed house at the Race course international stadium. Hameed Al Husseinie swept the boards at the awards ceremony as they bagged all three titles on offer.
Player of the Final: Mohomed Rishan (Hameed Al Husseinie College)
Player of the Tournament: Mohomed Sajid (Hameed Al Husseinie College)
Highest Goal Scorer: Thathsara Fernando (Maris Stella College)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mahendran Dinesh (Hameed Al Husseinie College)
