The Lankans were in the groove right from the start. Sri Lanka made a breakthrough in the opening stages of the game as a strike from Namal Anthony off a cross by EB Chauna deceived the Bangla custodian.
Aram Bagh’s hopes of producing an upset was dealt one more blow when Namal Anthony’s pass off the flank was struck home powerfully by striker Kasun Jayasooriya inside the box.
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The Bangla side’s ineptitude in penetrating the Lankan defenses did nothing to stop Sri Lanka from striking again in the 17th minute. It was a double whammy for Aram Bagh when the goal was adjudged an own goal off defender Den Mohammed.
Sri Lanka put the match far beyond Aram Bagh´s reach in the 51st minute when Kasun Jayasooriya’s solo charge deceived the Bangla keeper, who made a dive to the wrong side. The Lankans then toned down their attack and played the ball in midfield with no attacking intent.
Aram Bagh could muster a formidable attack only in the 89th minute when a strike from Aram Bagh’s Mohammad Lout to Rahman Noyon from the right flank at the edge of the box hit the near upright.
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Dipesh Shrestha
The usual trend of low spectator turnout in matches sans a Nepali team continued in this one-sided match also.
Sri Lankan manager Ananda Peieis said his team had reserved some players in the early matches so that they could play the semifinals. "We are satisfied with the score. We wanted to avoid injuries and cards."
“We came here to play the finals. It doesn’t matter whether it is Nepal or Thailand that we play in the finals. We will have the same squad for the next match. We might include Chatura in midfield to strengthen our midfield,” said Peieis.
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Dipesh Shrestha
Bangla coach Quazi Neamula Majid said he was satisfied with his players. “This is our achievement. We are a local team and we could play a national side”, he added.
The second semifinal will be played between Nepal (Red) and JW team of Thailand on Thursday.
