The football semifinals and finals kicked off at the Torrington grounds today with promises of drama, delight and despair. University of Moratuwa, University of Jaffna, University of Colombo and Eastern University of Sri Lanka made their way to the semi-finals after their triumphs in the quarter finals.
In the first semifinal, the University of Moratuwa (UoM) encountered the Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL). UoM broke the deadlock as Chanu Karunarathna went on to score the first goal to give his side a 1-0 lead. Nevertheless, Mohamed Ajeedh of EUSL scored the equalizer prior to the end of the first half. The first half ended with the score line of 1-1 promising a wonderful second half. In spite of their efforts, both the sides failed to score a goal in the second half. So, the winners were to be decided from penalty shoot out. UoM went on to win the penalty shoot out by 7-6 and they sealed their spot in the finals.
In the second semifinal, the University of Colombo (UoC) faced the University of Jaffna (UoJ). The UoJ team came into the match as the favorites, as they were had not been defeated in the campaign. They were able to repeat their form and booked their place in the finals by defeating UoC comfortably by 3-0. Srien Desilen scored the first two goals for his side, while Gnanaruban scored the third to increase the lead for UoJ.
Subsequently, UoC and EUSL met each other at the consolation final for the honor of the third place. It was clearly not the day for EUSL players, as they conceded the first goal yet again. G.Midurzan of UoC drew the first goal for his team. At the end of first half, UoC lead the score line, 1-0. They continued their dominance in the second half by breaching the attack of the forwards of EUSL. K.D.S.N. Jayaratne scored a goal for his side to increase the lead furthermore. Ultimately, the match ended with the score line reading 2-0 in favour of University of Colombo and they went on to win the bronze medal.
The battle for the gold kicked off between UoM and UoJ with the electrifying support of the spectators. The University of Jaffna came into the game undefeated, while UoM were defeated only once at the group stages. UoJ players showed their hunger for goals from the beginning of the match. Srien Desilen of UoJ scored the first goal of the game as he gave his side a 1-0 lead. This was his sixth goal of the tournament. UoJ struck again as they went on to lead the score line 2-0. This time it was Jeevakumar, who scored his very first goal of the tournament. At the end of the first half the advantage read 2-0 in favour of UoJ. The misery of UoM continued, as they went behind three goals to nil in the second half as Jabakar scored his fifth goal of the tournament. The only consolation for UoM football side was the second half goal by Phillip Fernando, which gave them a slight hope of a comeback. However, UoJ forwards were unstoppable as they increased their lead by converting the score line into 4-1. Gnanaruban of UoJ, who had had a wonderful tournament, recorded his 11th goal of the tournament and lifted up the hopes of a gold medal for UoJ. Score line remained 4-1 when referee blew his whistle for the final time of the day. The University of Jaffna was crowned the champions, while the University of Moratuwa was honoured with the silver medal.
Moraspirit extends their heartiest wishes for UoJ for their exuberant performance throughout the tournament while UoM deserved credits for their undying determination.
Post-match comments:
“I am really happy about the way we performed today. I extend my sincere gratitude to the coaching staff and the players for their dedication and determination”
-University of Jaffna football team Captain Mayooran
“Lads worked really hard for this tournament. They prioritized practices above academic activities. They truly deserve credits for their hard work. Many senior players left our side this year. So, we had to rebuild a brand new team for this tournament. With our new coach we worked hard. UoJ football team is a very strong team. Some of their players have surpassed University level and they have reached professional level. I am really proud about the way our boys performed today.”
-University of Moratuwa football team Captain Thilanka
