Sri Lanka Juniors leave for Saudi Arabia
Last time when the Lankan juniors were in action - File pic
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-16, 2018 qualification round will be held from September 16 to 29 in 10 countries. The final round will be held in Malaysia in 2018.
There are 45 countries competing in 10 groups. Sri Lanka is in Group A with Brunei, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.
Group ‘A’ matches will be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sri Lanka’s first match will be on September 16 against Brunei, the second game is on September 18 vs Jordan. The third match is on September 20 against Uzbekistan. The fourth game against hosts Saudi Arabia is scheduled for September 22.
Sri Lanka has selected 19 players and six officials for the competition. The team will take wing for the contest on September 14.
The Football Federation of Sri Lanka had earlier decided to pull out from the tournament, after they suffered two defeats at the SAFF Under 15 tournament held in Nepal.
Sri Lanka requested from the AFC to skip the tournament due to these defeats, but the AFC had stated that the draw has already been made and requested Sri Lanka to somehow or the other to take part in the contest.
Sri Lanka lost to Bangladesh 0-4 and suffered a 0-6 defeat to Bhutan druing the SAFF Championships. India emerged champions defeating Nepal 2-1 in the final.
- The Sri Lanka team:
A.R. Thanujan, E. Diniayas, Rasantha Dilruksha Perera, Mohammed Nazeerkhan Mohammed Rikaz, M.R.M. Rukshan, Ashaktha Mihiru Wijesooriya, N.M. Nuskan, Z.A. Mohammed Aashiq, Ajith Prasanth, Mohammed Nabeel, F.M. Sifan, Gihan Sandeepa, Weerapulli Rehan Bryan, Vishalka Sulakshana, Romesh Mendis, Shehan Harshana Perera, Abdul Haliq, Gayan Rajapakse and Chamith Hasarindu Kodituwakku.
- Officials:
D.M.N.S.B. Dissanayake (Manager), Suzuki Chikashi (Head Coach), Ushioda Yoshinori (Interpreter), A.K.M. Ajward (Assistant Coach), A.S.B. Bandara (Goalkeeping Coach) and M.A. Barsith (Physio).