Sri Lanka announce squad for 2027 AFC Qualifiers
Sri Lanka’s 22-member national football squad, led by veteran goalkeeper Sujan Perera, was officially announced yesterday for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. The team will first travel to Laos for an international friendly in Vientiane on March 20, followed by a clash against Thailand in Bangkok on March 25.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh faces as head coach Abdullah Almutairi looks to refine the team ahead of the crucial qualifying campaign. Several foreign-based players, including Germany-based Claudio Kammerknecht and Australia’s Wade Dekker, add strength to the squad alongside established local talents such as Mohamed Aman and Waseem Razeek.
Sri Lanka Football President Jaswar Umar emphasised that squad selection was done with specific tactical plans in mind.
“The players are selected based on positions and the game plan against each team we are facing,” Umar said, underlining the importance of s quad depth and adaptability.
Coach Almutairi, who took charge last year, has been working on rebuilding the team after a difficult period for Sri Lankan football. The upcoming friendlies are seen as key opportunities to fine-tune strategies before the high-stakes qualifiers.
The goalkeeping department will be led by skipper Sujan Perera, alongside Kaveesh Lakpriya and Mohamed Mursith. Defenders include Mohamed Hazmeer, Rifkhan Mohamed, Jason Thayaparan, and Jack Hingert, with Kammerknecht and William Thomason adding versatility.
The midfield sees a mix of creativity and control with Sam Durrant, Oliver Kelaart, and Adhavan Rajamohan, while attacking options include the pace of Chalana Chameera and the finishing ability of Leon Perera and Barath Suresh.
Sri Lanka faces an uphill task in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but with a balanced squad and structured preparation, they aim to be competitive against stronger opposition. The upcoming friendlies will serve as a crucial test for Almutairi’s men as they look to make an impact on the continental stage.
| Squad | |
| Sujan Perera (Captain, GK), Chalana Chameera, Mohamed Aman, Kaveesh Lakpriya (GK), Mohamed Hazmeer, Mohamed Mursith (GK), Rifkhan Mohamed, Mohamed Thilham, Anujan Rajendram, Waseem Razeek, Oliver Kelaart, Barath Suresh, Adhavan Rajamohan, Leon Perera, Wade Dekker, Jack Hingert, Jason Thayaparan, Claudio Kammerknnecht, Sam Durrant, William Thomason, Geremi Perera, Harsha Fernando, Garrett Kelly
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