When Air Force SC takes the field on Saturday against Manang Marshyangdi Club there will be one objective in their mind; get to the final, win the AFC(what AFC stands for) President’s Cup and create history.
The AFC President’s Cup was first competed for in 2005, a move designed to afford an opportunity for the league champions of AFC’s emerging nations to feature in a competitive continental competition. No other Sri Lankan club has made it to the final stage of this prestigious AFC President’s Cup which will be played for the final time this year.
Air Force booked their place for the qualifying stages of the AFC President’s Cup after they won the 2013 Dialog Champions League. Airmen defeated Renown SC 1-0 in the final of the Champions League. In the qualifying stage they finished second in the group and made it to the final stage of the President’s Cup.
Air men captained by Dilshan Fernando defeated Bhutan’s Ugyen Academy 1-0 in the opening match in the qualifying stage but were heavily beaten 5-0 by Bangladesh’s Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra in the second match. Faced with 2013 AFC President’s Cup runners-up next and needing a win to open passage to the final stage, Air Force took the game by the scruff of the neck winning it 3-0 even though they played most of the second half with 10 men.
In the current season of the Champions League Air Force are seventh with 15 points after 7 matches with three games in hand. The Sri Lanka Air Force are the only unbeaten side in the league with four wins and three draws.
ThePapare.com expatiated with former Sri Lankan captain and current Air Force coach Sampath Perera about their preparations for the upcoming President’s Cup.
“The preparations have been good. Mostly the same squad we’ve been playing from last year. So nothing new to add to their training and their tactics.”
“However it would have been ideal if we got a few practice matches against foreign clubs to get accustomed to their style and tempo of playing because we play the same way in the local leagues but when it comes to the President’s Cup it is totally different.”
“I know what needs to be done. We play in an attacking 4-3-3 formation but the team is flexible enough to change formation and tactics given the situation.”
The Air men are boosted by the return of their key striker Nipuna Bandara from injury which he sustained during the tour to Seychelles. However they will miss the services of hard working mid fielder and vice captain Janaka Chaminda who is suspended for two matches after receiving a red card in the final match of the qualifying stage against KRL. If Air Force makes it to the final Chaminda will be available for selection.
Air Force will be heavily banking on their little dynamo Kavindu Ishan who has continued his excellent form from last year for club and country. Kavindu Ishan who is also Sri Lanka U23 vice captain will be joined by his captain at U23 level and Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sujan Perera in the squad.
“It is great to have Nipuna Bandara back. Losing Chaminda will be hard to fill in the team but I have utmost faith in the team to produce their best and win.”
Air Force squad
Dilshan Fernando (Captain)
Janaka Chaminda (Vice Captain)
Kavindu Ishan
Nipuna Bandara
Gayan Perera
D.K. Duminda
Rohan Fernando
I. T. Hapuarachchi
Kasira Gayantha
P. Arunasiri
K.C.K. Lankesara
S. Srikanth
D. N. Welgamage
Sujan Perera
Rajitha Chamara
K. S. Pathum
Subash Fernando
A. A. Sanjeewa
V. J. Zoysa
U. Shanaka
Harsha Fernando
K.C.P.K. Fernando
Sampath Perera (Head Coach)
R.T.G. Raheem (Asst. Coach)
Saman Dayawansa (Goal Keeper Trainer)
M. I. Hameed (Physio)
