By Susil Premalal

Lebanon defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in their FIFA World Cup Qualifier worked off at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue yesterday (15).

The visitors dominated the first half and build up a commanding 2-0 lead at half time after Sri Lanka conceded two early penalties.

Hassan Maatouk put Lebanon in front in the 15th minute while Hilal Alhelwe increased the lead with the second penalty in the 38th minute.

Sri Lanka of course put up an improved performance in the second half and also created a couple of scoring opportunities while failing to add the finishing touches.

However, Lebanon sealed the game in their favour while scoring their third goal in the 81st minute through Hilal Alhelwe.

Sri Lanka Coach Pakeer Ali later said that his team performed well after their 0-8 drubbing at the hands of South Korea few days ago.

“I think the boys did well specially in the second half and the two early penalties made the difference in the end.”

“We could have really made a match of it if we had not conceded those two early penalties,” lamented Pakeer Ali.