15 January 2018 07:22 pm
By Susil Premalal
Colombo FC clinched the Dialog Champions League Football Tournament 2017 when they edged-out Renown SC 1-0 in the title deciding fixture worked off under lights at the Race Course Grounds in Reid Avenue yesterday.
Colombo FC’s success had a great amount of significance as they retained the title for the third successive year. In addition, Colombo FC also had the satisfaction of inflicting the first defeat to their opponents who of course had started the game as clear favourites having earlier recorded 12 victories in the tournament.
However, Colombo FC were able to turn tables on their more fancied opponents with a tremendous performance which helped them to collect the much needed three points to seal the title.
In fact, both teams collected 40 points each at the completion of the League phase but Colombo FC by virtue of defeating their rivals were declared as champions.
Renown SC began their campaign quite aggressively as they dominated the initial stages of the game although they were unable to penetrate their opponents defence.
Incidentally, Renown SC could consider themselves rather unfortunate as they missed out a number of certain goals in addition to a penalty in the second half.
Colombo FC were under pressure from the kick-off but they played to a set plan and counter-attacked their opponents quite beautifully.
They were rewarded for their hard work with M. N. M. Fazal netting the match winning solitary goal in the 38th minute of play. In fact, Fazal later went on to win the Golden Ball Award for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
The Golden Boot Award was shared between Job Michael of Renown SC and A. Emmanuel of Up-country Lions SC. Meanwhile, the Golden Glove Award was won by Rafeek Eshath from Renown SC.