Alighar National School and Zahira College, Colombo booked a place in the final of the U20 Schools Football Championship 2024 winning two contrasting semi-finals.
Semi Final – Alighar National School v Hameed Al Husseinie College
Alighar National School defeated Hameed Al Husseinie College 1-0 in the 1st semi-final courtesy of a stunning free-kick from skipper Mohamed Munsif at the City Football League Complex.
A lackluster 1st half saw neither side making an impact in the first half. Alighar had a couple of tame chances while Hameedians were not able to convert possession into opportunities.
However, Munsif produced a world class free-kick from 40 yards out beating B.P. Kishor gave Alighar the lead in the 43rd minute. The Cristiano Ronaldo-esque free-kick, reminiscent of his free-kick against Arsenal in the 2008/09 Champions League semi-final, had the perfect combination of power, technique and accuracy.
Hameedians had an improved 2nd half but Alighar defense held firm to deny any goals and secure the win.
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
- Alighar – Mohamed Munsif 43’
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Semi Final – Zahira College v St. Joseph’s College
Zahira College came from a goal down to equalize 1-1 at the end of normal time and win 4-2 on penalties in the 2nd semi-final.
If the 1st semi-final was played at a pedestrian pace, then this one was going at super car pace from the 1st minute. Zahira had one effort bounce off an upright while another was brilliantly saved by Nikhil Henry. Joes too had a couple of chances but those did not test Ahamed Shareef in goal.
Both teams matched each other punch for punch and it was St. Joseph’s who took the lead in the 63rd minute after V. Harish scored through a maze of players from the middle of the box. Thereon, Zahira increased the pace of the game once again till they found the equalizer in the 86th minute from Mohamed Shuhaib, whose effort deflected off a player on its way to the goal.
After the game went into penalties Zahira’s Mufazzal Ziard, Abdul Azeez, Fareeq Ahamed and Mohamed Shail converted from the spot while only Captain Mark Andrew and S.N. Saldeen were successful for the Josephians. Shavindu Balasooriya’s effort was saved by Shareef while S.P. Kahatagahawatta’s kick could only rattle the crossbar.
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
- Zahira – Mohamed Shuhaib 86’
- St. Joseph’s – V. Harish 63’
FINAL: Zahira College v Alighar National School – 27th Feb at Racecourse Stadium, Colombo. Watch the live action on ThePapare 2 (Dialog TV Ch. 63), Dialog ViU App and ThePapare.com from 6:45 PM onwards.
3rd PLACE: Hameed Al Husseinie College v St. Joseph’s College – 27th Feb at City League Football Complex. Watch the live action on ThePapare 2 (Dialog TV Ch. 63), Dialog ViU App and ThePapare.com from 3:15 PM onwards.
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