~
22-01-14: Sri Lanka on Tuesday became the first team to go through to the Semi Finals from Group A, thanks to a late equalizing goal by Mohamed Zarwan Johar in the 91st minute.
Sao Tome and Principe dominated most of the game even as Sri Lanka weren’t able to score despite creating many chances for themselves.
Sri Lankan captain and goalkeeper Wstd Sujan Periera was put to the test over and over again and was forced to make some excellent saves throughout the game. But his goal was breached in the 29th minute by Sao Tome and Principe player Gastao Bastos in the 29th minute. They held on to the lead through full time, until the Mohamed Zarwan Johar late equalizer.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Sri Lankan manager, Mr. Hasitha D. Gamage, said, “The players played very hard throughout the match and we are happy about the result.”
Sri Lankan goal scorer Zarwan added, “I’m a very young player and the extra time goal has taken us through to the semifinals. I’m very happy that I contributed to the team.”
Sao Tome Coach/ Manager, Mr. Osualdo Deus Lima, said, “Nothing is lost yet and we will work hard to win against Macau. Our main objective now is to qualify for the next phase.”
