Colombo Football Club will go out as favourites against Java Lane in the grand finale of the inter-club under-19 soccer tournament played for the ‘Expolanka Youth Cup’ at the City Football League grounds today. Kick-off is scheduled at 3.30 p.m.
Colombo FC is the only undefeated team in the tournament, without conceding a single goal until the replayed semi-final. They are determined to go all out to win the second edition of this iconic tournament against the hometown team, which is poised to be one of the best encounters in the recent past.
With the participation of 18 teams, this tourney was played over three months and became the cynosure of all eyes, where the future talent displayed some enthralling games of football.
Colombo FC was the only team which never played second fiddle to any opponent, remaining undefeated with a prolific record of scoring 23 goals while conceding three, which was during the replayed semi-final last week.
Colombo FC lads are brimming with confidence as they defeated their rivals 2-0 in a league stage game. They are led by Nikshan Anthony, one of the most dynamic players who has been a tower of strength in their success so far. However, they will be sans their regular goalkeeper Hanimudeen Hafeel who is serving a suspension due to flouting the tournament rules. He will be replaced by Sampath Viduranga who played a pivotal role manning the goal area during their win over Moragasmulla in their penultimate game last week.
Their key striker Aiden Christopher is the highest individual goal scorer, booting seven goals including a hat trick against Slave Island XI which eventually turned out to be a highly commendable performance. The Colombo lads biggest win of the tournament was against Ferguson by 7-0 in the league stage.
As per their team sources, the boys are free from injuries and are fully geared up for this grand finale. As a unit they are ready to go flat out to win this game and the championship.
On the other hand, Java Lane will have the advantage of playing in their home territory. They had been using this ground and will have the support of the spectators in the vicinity of the Slave Island area.
Derrick Fernando will lead them from the front, and as per team sources they are to field the same XI which played in the semi-final against Colombo Veterans which they won 7-6 after a penalty shoot-out after being 1-all at full-time. They too are confident that they are capable of turning tables against their rivals today amidst their home crowd.
The winner will carry away Rs.100,000 and the ‘Expolanka Youth Cup’ along with medals for the players, while the runner-up will receive Rs.75,000 and medals.
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