ARKADAG, Turkmenistan, Oct 14 (ePRESS) – Hard-fighting Sri Lanka went down narrowly by 2-1 against hosts Turkmenistan in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier played before a massive home crowd at the Arkadag Stadium, after a goalless first half.
The first 45 minutes saw both teams battling hard in midfield, with neither side able to break through solid defensive lines. Sri Lanka’s home-leg hero Jason Thayaparan was shown a yellow card in the 38th minute for a rough tackle, as the visitors absorbed intense pressure from the hosts. Three extra minutes were added before the half ended scoreless.
The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute when Turkmenistan captain Tagayev Elman unleashed a powerful long-range strike from outside the box. With no Sri Lankan defenders in position, goalkeeper and skipper Sujan Perera dived to his left but could not prevent the ball from finding the net, giving Turkmenistan a 1-0 lead.
Just five minutes later, in the 57th minute, the hosts doubled their advantage. A corner kick led to confusion inside the Sri Lankan box; Perera saved the first attempt, but Mekan Saparov pounced on the rebound and fired through two Lankan defenders, including Thayaparan, to make it 2-0.
Sri Lanka refused to back down. In the 65th minute, Dillon de Silva created pressure inside the Turkmen penalty area, forcing G. Annagulyýew to deflect the ball into his own net. The goal brought Sri Lanka back into contention at 1-2 and lifted their confidence in the closing stages.
Despite five minutes of added time, Sri Lanka’s late attacks failed to find an equaliser.
It was a brave and disciplined display from the Lankan side, who matched the hosts in intensity and showed strong defensive organisation. However, Turkmenistan’s superior finishing and early second-half surge made the difference on the night.
With this defeat, Sri Lanka — who were previously leading the group — slipped to third place with six points after four matches. Victorious Turkmenistan climbed to the top of the table with nine points, edging ahead of Thailand, who also have nine points but an inferior goal difference. Chinese Taipei were eliminated with no points, having lost all four of their matches.
