126th ranked Lithuania took on Sri Lanka ranked 200 as international football returned to the island after 8 long years and the friendly was played at the Racecourse Grounds, last evening.
The visitors managed to dominate the first half of the match. But the hosts created a few opportunities towards the end of the match. The two teams played out a goal-less draw at the end of 90 minutes.
Photo – Kasun Anupa
Lithuania threatened the opposition goal and dominated possession in the first half. Goalkeeper Sujan Perera was on top of his game throughout. He did well to deal with a couple of excellent crosses from either corner.
Sri Lanka tried to hit back in the counter but the shots either lacked pace or was inaccurate.
Lithuania, early in the 2nd half had a golden opportunity but the header was directed over the post. Sri Lanka created a couple of chances with a few brilliant runs towards the end of the 2nd half but failed to find the back of the net. Duckson Piuslas the debutant was brilliant for Sri Lanka in last night’s game.
What’s next for Sri Lanka
The 2nd and the final friendly will be played on the 11th of July at the same venue. After the two matches against Lithuania, Sri Lanka will travel to Japan and South Korea to prepare for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. The team will also play home games against Bhutan and Bangladesh before the all-important tournament. The SAFF Championship will be held from September 4 to 15 in Bangladesh.
Photo – Asian Football Federation
Sri Lanka also has plans to play friendlies against Malaysia, Singapore, and the Maldives in October 2018. The friendlies are part of the 2030 plan, to transform Sri Lanka into a top footballing nation, particularly in Asia.
Sri Lanka Squad for Lithuania Friendlies
While Packeer Ali will be the team manager, the squad for the second match against Lithuania will be as follows.
- Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando
- Mohamed Rasik Rishad
- Udaya Keerthi Kumara
- Yogendran Duckson Puslas
- Asikur Rahuman
- Afeel Mohamed
- Sasanga Dilhara
- Chameera Sajith Kumara
- Mohamed Fasal
- Mohamed Hasmeer
- Mohamed Rifnas
- Johar Mohamed Zarwan
- Mohamed Shabeer
- Asela Madushan
- Jude Suman
- Santhiya Mariyathai Nitharshan
- Subash Madushan (Captain)
- Samitha Subashana Fernando
- Charitha Bandara Ratnayake
- Dhanushka Rajapakshe
- Mohamed Musthaq
- Chathura Lakshan Dananjaya
- Chathuranga Perera
- Sujan Perera
