Seychelles beat SL 3-1 in penalty shootout

Sri Lankan national soccerites were defeated 3-1 in a penalty shootout which enabled Seychelles to clinch the inaugural ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy’ played at Race Course grounds yesterday.

After being in the box seat leading 3-1 at one stage, the local lads threw away the game that was under their control. However, full credit should go to the visiting team, who held their ground and concentrated on the game to lead their team to a great victory.

The Sri Lankans came into this game hoping to re-write history and to shatter the 21-year record of not winning any championship. Marvin Hamilton opened the scoring for the home team halfway through the match. However, towards the end of the first half, Seychelles’ Herbert Emmanuel Jean scored a well-timed goal and both teams stood at 1-all when the short whistle was blown.

In the first half, Sri Lanka’s Mohamed Aakib was the first to score a goal. Thereafter, following some anxious moments in the 76th minute of the game, referee Al Shammari penalised a Seychelles player for dangerous play.

This resulted in Waseem Razeek scoring another goal for the Lankan team, raising the score to 3-1. However, Seychelles struck back with two quick goals to make the score 3-all and halt the Lankan celebrations, taking the game to a penalty shootout while holding a healthy lead to secure their win.