Doha, QATAR: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s national football team will face a tough challenge today when they take on Yemen in the first match of their two-game series in the FIFA International Friendly. The game will be held at 9.45 PM Sri Lanka time at the stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Sri Lanka, currently ranked 203rd in the world, will square off against Yemen, ranked 154th. This marks a significant test for the Sri Lankan squad, who are aiming to improve their position in the world rankings by securing a victory. Despite the gap in rankings, Sri Lanka remains determined to perform well on the international field.
In their previous meetings, Sri Lanka has had a mixed record against Yemen, with the teams facing off in a total of three matches. Out of these, Yemen won two, and there was one draw. Their most recent encounter in October 2023 ended in a 3-0 win for Yemen, but Sri Lanka managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw just a few days later.
Looking at the recent form of both teams, Sri Lanka has had a somewhat inconsistent run, with no wins in their last five matches. They have drawn three and lost two, including a 2-0 loss to Myanmar last month. Yemen, meanwhile, has also faced its challenges, recording two losses and one draw in their last five outings.
Sri Lanka will be looking to key players to step up and perform against the formidable Yemeni side. The squad, led by their experienced captain, will be hoping to secure a positive result as they prepare for their World Cup qualification matches in the future.
This series against Yemen is an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to assess their progress and build confidence as they look to rise in the international rankings. With a tough mentality and a focused strategy, the Sri Lankan players will aim to overcome the odds and secure an important win.
Abdullah Almutairi, Sri Lanka Coach said: “We know Yemen is a strong team, but we are determined to give our best. Every match is an opportunity to learn and grow, and our goal is to fight hard, improve our ranking, and make our fans proud. The team is focused and ready for the challenge ahead.”
Sujan Perera, Sri Lanka Captain said: “We respect Yemen as a tough opponent, but we have a clear mindset. We’ll play with passion, give our all on the field, and aim for victory. Our objective is to show the world that Sri Lanka is a team to watch.”
Sri Lanka Football Squad:
1 Sujan Perera (captain), 2. Kaveesh Fernando, 3. Harsha Fernando, 4. Jude Supan, 5. Mohamed Aakid, 6. Mohamed Rifkhan, 7. Mohamed Mursith, 8. Mohamed Hasmeer, 9. Mohamed Aman, 10. Manaram Perera, 11. Chalana Chameera, 12. Senal Sandesh, 13. Barath Suresh, 14. Adhavan Rajamohan, 15. Oliver Kelaart, 16. Jason Thayaparan, 17. Leon Perera, 18. Claudio Kammerknecht, 19. Sam Durrant, 20. Anujan Rajendram, 21. Jack Hingert, 22. Dillon de Silva, 23. Mohammed Thilham, 24. Rahul Suresh.
