Kasun hat-trick: Lanka win 5-1

Leslie FERNANDO

SOCCER: This new look Sri Lanka soccer team hold promise. That was the message Sri Lanka drove home as they opened their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round tournament with a rousing 5-1 victory over Brunei at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. Going flat out for victory Sri Lanka strung together a number of moves in the first 10 minutes which saw Brunei defend their goal area stoutly. Ace striker Kasun Jayasuriya, who scored four goals including a hat-trick, gave Sri Lanka the lead in the 21st minute when he collected a neat pass from E.B. Channa and connected into the goal 1-0. After sporadic raids on the rival territory Sri Lanka made it 2-0 when Asmeer Mohamed made no mistake with spot penalty after kasun Jayasuriya was fouled in the ‘box’.

Sri Lanka led 2-nil at the Breather.

For Brunei, their forwards failed to combine and penetrate the Lankan defence. Meanwhile skipper Chathura Maduranga, Mohamed Asmeer and M. Aawmy played a speculate game to display the skill and superb ball control to give their side total midfield dominance.

In the second-half, it was plain sailing for the homesters with Jayasuriya, despite missing a couple of scoring chances earlier completing the hat-trick with goals coming in the 53rd, 66th and 72nd minutes. The architect of Sri Lanka’s triumph was none other than Jayasuirya who ably supported by Anton Ninzl and E.B. Channa in the strike line.

Brunei scored their solitary goal through a penalty in the 82nd minute. Kamarue Ramlee made no mistake with the kick.

Zhao Liang of China controlled the game.

Tomorrow, Monday, April 6: Pakistan play Brunei at 4 p.m. while Sri Lanka take on Chinese Taipei at 6.30 p.m.

1-all draw

Pakistan - Chinese Taipei match ended in a 1-all draw after the latter led 1-0 at half time.