Abdulla Almutairi has named a strong 25-man squad to face the higher-ranked Cambodia in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers playoff games, scheduled for the 5th and 10th of September.
Interim Manager Abdullah Almutairi faced a major setback on the verge of naming the squad, with winger Dillon De Silva missing out due to fitness concerns. Additionally, several other players have been flagged with injuries. The official media statement regarding their condition is yet to be released by Football Sri Lanka (FFSL).
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Abdullah Almutairi has made a few changes to the squad compared to the one that travelled to Brunei for the friendly games back in June. Center-half Chalana Chameera, along with Ashikur Rahman and Rahul Suresh have been left out of the squad.
Their omissions have made room for Jason Thayaparan, Jack Hingert, and Claudio Matthias, who are set to return to Sri Lankan colours after missing the friendlies against Brunei in June due to injuries. Additionally, attacking midfielder Samuel Durrant and centre midfielder Tenuka Ranaweera have been handed their first senior call-ups.
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Tenuka Ranaweera was outstanding and the standout player in the recently concluded SAFF U-20 Championship for Sri Lanka. His ability to control the game from midfield will bring much-needed strength to the team, alongside Adhavan Rajamohan.
The Sri Lankan leg of the playoff will be held at the Racecourse Grounds on the 5th of September, while the Cambodian leg will take place on the 10th of September
Sri Lankan squad :
Sujan Perera, Harsha Fernando, Mohamed Aakib, Mohamed Hasmeer, Mohamed Aman, Bharath Suresh, Waseem Razeek, Adhavan Rajamohan, Oliver Kelaart, Sacay Steven, Leon Perera, Wade Dekker, Jason Thayaparan, Jack Hingert, Claudio Matthias, Shenal Sandesh, Samuel Durrant, Woranda Perera, Anujan Rajendram, Firaz Marshuk, Jude Supun, Mohamed Rifkhan, Kaveesh Fernando, Mohamed Mursith, Tenuka Ranaweera
Head Coach – Abdulla Almutairi
