Zahira Gampola - u-13 soccer champs

by U.D.D. Sumanasekera - Gampola Sports Corr.

FOOTBALL: Zahira College, Gampola under-13 football team emerged champions in the All-Island Under-13 Inter-School Football Tournament held at the Winston Dias Stadium, Badulla. The final turned up to be a close game between Zahira, Gampola and Kinniya Central College, Trincomalee. At full time, it was a 1-all draw. However, in the penalty shoot-out, Zahira scored 5 goals to Kinniya Central’s 3 to emerge champions.

Besides the main trophy, Zahira Gampola’s goalie M.S.K. Simark was picked as the best goal-keeper of the tournament.

In the earlier rounds - 1st round: (Gampola Zone) Zahira beat Wickramabahu 4-nil, beat St. Andrews’ 5 goals to nil, beat Anurudha MV by 3 goals to nil. In the semi-finals, Zahira beat St. Andrews’ 3 goals to nil. In the final, Zahira beat Jinaraja MV by 2 goals to nil.

2nd Round (All-Island): Zahira beat De Mazenod, Kandana 1 - nil, Zahira beat Richmond, Galle by 1 goal to nil, Zahira beat Polonnaruwa Royal by 3 goals to nil, Zahira beat St. Lucia’s, Mannar 1-nil.

Semi-finals: Zahira beat Ananda National School, Chilaw in penalty shoot-out by 4 goals to 3.