Football: Sri Lanka positive for AFC Solidarity Cup

Sri Lanka Coach Dudley Steinwall expressed his confidence that his team will bounce back into recognition during the inaugural AFC Solidarity Cup Football Tournament which will commence on Thursday (3) in Malaysia. 

“We lost to Cambodia 0-4 in the International friendly earlier due to individual errors and we hope to comeback strongly with an improved performance” he said. 

“Our players have a limited number of international experience but they are determined to prove themselves in the opening match of the tournament,” added the Sri Lanka Coach. 

“We have to start from the very beginning as most of the players are inexperienced but I am confident that they will come out with a good performance,” he said. 

“I think the first match against Laos will be a tough outing as we have lost to the same opposition 1-4 earlier in 2014 but have beaten Mongolia 2-1,” added Steinwall. 

The semi-finals are scheduled for November 12 while the final will be played on November 15. 

In contrast to the squad that lost to Cambodia (0-4) in the FIFA International friendly match there will be six new faces in the team. 

Mohamed Afam and Dilip Peiris have been dropped from the squad due to injuries and the new squad will consist of 23 players, four more than the squad that flew to Cambodia. 

The additions to the squad are Supun Kaveesh (New Youngs SC), Sajith Kumara (Army SC), Afeel Mohammed (Colombo FC), Roshan Appuhami (Army SC) and S. Niresh (Saunders SC). 

Sri Lanka Football team: Sujan Perera (Captain), M.C.M. Rifnas (VC), Nipuna Devinda Bandara, Madushan de Silva, Kavindu Ishan, Dumindu Wasanthaka Hettiarachchi, Afeel Mohamed, Chathuranga Sanjeewa, Asikur Rahuman, S. Niresh, Sajith Kumara, Chalana Chameera, Danushka Madushan, A.H.M. Uzman, Zarwan Johar, Danushka Wijesiri, Anurudda Warakagoda, P.A.D.S. Madushan, Prabath Ruwan Arunasiri, Amith Kumara, Edison Figurado, Roshan Appuhami, Lakshitha Jayathunga, Supun Kaveesh.

Officials: Dudley Steinwall (Head Coach), Mahinda Galagedara (Goalkeeper Coach), Devasagayam Rajamani (Assistant Coach), M.M. Rameez (Manager), S.N.P.K. Silva (Physiotherapist).