Renown beat Blue Star one nil enters final

By Bernard PERERA and Leslie FERNANDO

Renown SC powered their way to the final of the Dialog Champions League soccer tournament with a hard fought one nil (1-0) victory over Blue Star SC in the first semi-final played at the City Football League ground yesterday.

So Renown SC will now meet the winners of the Sri Lanka Air Force SC and Don Bosco SC Negombo in the final to be played on November 22. The clash between Renown SC and Blue Star SC was vital for both sides and lot of sparkle was witnessed as both sides played an aggressive game from the outset. Blue Star SC Kalutara was most unlucky to miss its main striker Mohamed Farzeen for this important match as he was shown the `Red’ card in the quarter final match played last week.

At a certain stage Renown SC put up a spirited display going on the attack vehemently while Kalutara SC defended gallantly. Living up to the expectation, match was on the whole an exciting affair.

Renown SC settled, down in the early stage and in the 17th minute were on the verge of surging ahead. They had a great chance for the opener when Mohamed Imtiaz corner kick from the right flank landed just out of the goal area and infront of Mohamed Fazal who in turn drove the ball which hit the woodwork.

Both sides showed their superiority in the technical style of play. But neither side was able to overpower each other.

Both sides attacked and counter attacked and no goals were produced in before the break.

Immediately after the breather Renown SC made the first change their main striker Fazal Mohammed the chief goal getter of the tournament being substitued by M. Nazrullah, due to an injury. It should be mentioned that Renown SC strikers played a well controlled game but they were luckless. Blue Star SC also had its change when Mohamed Safran came in for Moahmed Rameesh.

Renown SC strikers tested the opposing goal-keeper Sampath Kumar Fernando but he stood firm. On the other hand Renown SC keeper Y. Sathish Kumar also showed fine anticipation and made several good sayes.

With 24 minutes left for play Renown SC played with ten men when Ruwan Kumara Leonard was shown the `Red’ card for dangerous play.

Both sides pressed for all important goal and Renown SC were successful in the 83rd minute when Mohamed Zain scored the solitary and winning goal.

Mohmmed Imtiaz relayed the corner kick from the left flank and Renown SC defender. Mohamed Zain was quick to head ball home before the Blue Star goal-keeper attempting to punch the ball to safety.

Three yellow cards were shown during the match M. Ishand (Renown SC) and M. Infan and M. Farhad (Blue Star SC).

Referee: Anura de Silva

Airmen has slight advantage

The second semifinal of the Dialog Champions Trophy between Air Force and Don Bosco SC from Negombo will kick off today at city football league ground at 3.30 p.m.

On record both teams are evenly balanced. The Negombo team which has come to this stage within a very short period of time has done well to be on top of the points table.

If they keep to the normal play and the strikers put a better show could pose a big threat to Airmen in this game today. Don Bosco has the potential to make a match of it with the young talent exposed with few seriors who are already in the National Pool. They are sure to give a good fight for the airmen who are looking to find their why to the final in this major championship.

Airmen too played good football during the full season to reach the semis in this big tourney. Few days ago Airmen went down to Sri Lanka Navy in their Defence Services final in a tie-breaker. This loss for the Airmen could be a matter which could upset the players today.

They should not think over this seriously as their performances during championship has been excellent. Airmen should combine well today if they are to reach the final.

They also must take maximum advantage they have in their height. If they do this and continue with the earlier performance they are sure to overcome the Don Bosco onslaught.

For both teams strikers come out on top to see their side into the final.

They must also need the support from the midfielders while defence line should put a strong wall to halt the strikers from scoring. All in all a good game of soccer is on the card.