PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Cambodia in a penalty shootout during the second leg of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier 2027 at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead into halftime, thanks to a goal by Oliver Kelaart in the 38th minute, following a precise pass from Rajmohan. Cambodia equalized in the 51st minute with a well-placed shot that beat Sri Lankan goalkeeper Sujan Perera.
The match remained tied at 1-1 through fulltime and 2-2 after extra time. Cambodia scored in the 99th minute with a corner kick and a skillful backfoot pass from Suhana. Sri Lanka responded in the 120th minute with a stunning goal from Claudio Matthias, sending the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Sri Lankan goalkeeper Perera made key saves, while Jack Hingert, Sam Durrant, Oliver Kelaart, and Leon Perera all scored their penalties. Cambodia’s Nicolace Tailor missed his penalty, and Sri Lanka capitalized on this, ultimately winning 4-2.
This victory follows Sri Lanka’s penalty shootout win against the Seychelles in Colombo in 2021 and highlights a resilient performance from the team. The team’s resilience and skill in the shootout marked a memorable triumph in their quest for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in 2027.
