Matara City clinch Champions League with a game to spare

Matara City FC secured the 2022 FSL Champions League Football Title with a game to spare at the Bogambara Stadium in Kandy on Saturday.

City FC, despite losing their penultimate game 1-2 against Crystal Palace FC, were declared champions as their nearest rivals Java Lane SC were held to a 0-0 draw by Serendib SC in their match played at the Maligapitiya Grounds in Kurunegala.

Java Lane SC collected only a solitary point from this outing and even if they win their last match of the tournament next week, they will remain in second place behind the table leaders City FC.

After a scoreless first half, substitute player Mohamed Rifaz opened the scoring for Crystal Palace FC in the 51st minute but Matara City FC equalised 10 minutes later through a free kick from their overseas player Boadu Prince.

However, Basith Ahamed produced a superb header in the 74th minute to score the second and deciding goal and give Crystal Palace FC a morale boosting victory.

In another match, St. Mary’s FC defeated Negombo Youth FC 2-1 at Jaffna with Mariyathas Nitharsan scoring both goals for the winners and Christine Fernando netted the solitary goal for the visitors.

In addition, New Star SC drew 1-1 with Saunders SC at Galle. Ahamed Adil scored for New Star SC while Sundaraj Niresh did the scoring for Saunders SC.