Action from the match between New Star SC and Renown SC 

Action from the match between Blue Star SC and Moragasmulla SC

By Susil Premalal

Blue Star SC, Kalutara pulled off an impressive 3-1 win against Moragasmulla SC while Up-Country Lions SC snatched a 3-3 draw with a last gasp effort in the opening matches of the Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 which began yesterday.

A brace either side of the interval by I. C. Uwanaka in the 42nd and 56th minutes helped Blue Star SC triumph despite being down with 10-men at the Sugathadasa Stadium after A. W. A. T. Eranga received two yellow cards from referee Lakmal Weerakkody.

Moragasmulla SC pulled one back through a goal by Eranda Prasad in the 66th minute before Edison Figarado sealed victory for Blue Star SC with an 81st minute strike.
Meanwhile, Up-Country Lions SC and Java Lane SC featured in a six-goal thriller at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue where the lead changed hands.

Mohamed Nazir drew first blood in the 27th minute to put Up-Country Lions SC ahead while a 34th minute strike by W. B. H. N. Sampath gave them a 2-0 lead.

Java Lane SC stormed back into contention through Malaka Perera’s goal in the 38th minute while Abdul Latheef got the equaliser after the interval with a strike in the 53rd minute.
Malaka Perera scored a double in the 64th minute to give Java Lane SC the lead for the first time but after a tenacious battle I. Olidemeji succeeded in finding the net in the second minute of injury time to earn Up-Country Lions SC a deserving 3-3 draw in Group ‘A’.

In the matches played under lights, New Star SC edged-out Renown SC 1-0 at the Sugathadasa Stadium while Matara City SC and New Youngs FC figured in a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue.