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Sri Lanka Announces Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers – Debate Over Local vs. Origin Players Continues

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Sri Lanka has unveiled its 22-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, with experienced goalkeeper Sujan Perera leading the team as captain. However, the squad selection has sparked discussions, as 13 out of the 22 players are origin players, leaving fewer opportunities for Sri Lankan-born footballers striving to build their careers locally.

Adding to the concerns, Dillon De Silva will miss the qualifiers due to injury, further impacting the squad’s depth.

Sri Lanka National Team Squad for AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

  • Sujan Perera (C)
  • Kaveesh Lakpriya
  • Mohamed Mursith

Players:

  • Chalana Chameera
  • Mohamed Aman
  • Mohamed Hasmeer
  • RIfkhan Mohamed
  • Mohamed Thilham
  • Anujan Rajendram
  • Oliver Kelaart
  • Barath Suresh
  • Adhavan Rajamohan
  • Leon Perera
  • Jack Hingert
  • Jason Thayaparan
  • Claudio Kammerknecht
  • Wade Dekker
  • Sam Durrant
  • William Thomason
  • Waseem Razeek
  • Geremi Perera
  • Harsha Fernando
  • Garrett Kelly

Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi

Challenges for Sri Lankan-Born Players

In previous international matches, Sri Lanka has often started with 10 or even 9 origin players, limiting exposure for locally developed talent. The lack of high-quality domestic competitions, such as the Super League and Champions League, has made it difficult to scout and nurture homegrown footballers.

While relying on origin players offers an immediate competitive edge, the long-term consequences could hinder the growth of Sri Lankan football. Without structured domestic tournaments, young local players struggle to gain top-level experience, making it challenging to replace experienced origin players in the future.

Balancing Immediate Success and Future Development

With the qualifiers being a crucial test for Sri Lanka, the team management has prioritized experience and international exposure over an experimental squad featuring more local players. While this decision may help in the short term, Sri Lanka Football must focus on reviving domestic leagues to create a sustainable pathway for local talent.

As Sri Lanka prepares for the qualifiers, the debate continues: Should the national team prioritize short-term results or long-term football development?

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka’s journey in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Football

Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025: Quarter-Final Lineup Shapes Up with Thrilling Group Stage Battles

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has reached the most exciting stage yet as teams battle for quarter-final glory.

In Group B, Kalutara Central College has stamped their authority with 2 wins from 2 matches, boasting a flawless defense and an impressive +2 goal difference. The battle for the second spot is wide open between Royal College and Alighar Central College, both on 3 points and looking to secure their place in the knockout rounds. Maris Stella College has unfortunately bowed out after a tough group stage.

Meanwhile, Group C promises drama in the final match between St. Patrick’s College and St. Joseph’s College. A win for Joseph will see them top the group, while Patrick could sneak into the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory. A draw would favor Joseph’s qualification on goal difference.

The quarter-finals, scheduled for 5th November at City League, will feature the following fixtures:

  • Q1: Zahira College, Colombo 🆚 Vaddakachchi Central College – 8:30 AM
  • Q2: Kalutara Central College 🆚 St. Joseph’s College / St. Patrick’s College – 11:00 AM
  • Q3: Gateway College/ St. Joseph’s College 🆚 Royal / Alighar – 1:30 PM
  • Q4: Hameed Al Husseinie College 🆚 Darussalaam College – 4:00 PM

Fans can expect high-octane football and edge-of-the-seat action as Sri Lanka’s brightest school football talents compete for the prestigious Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster Trophy 2025. Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, match updates, and exclusive interviews.

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Football

Group C Still Up for Grabs as Four Teams Eye Quarterfinal Spots in Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025!

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The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship Group C stage remains finely poised — with all four schools still in contention to reach the quarterfinals. With Gateway College having completed all their matches, the final fixtures will decide the fate of St. Benedict’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s Colleges.

Current Standings:

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Gateway College310264+25
St. Benedict’s College210132+14
St. Patrick’s College201134-11
St. Joseph’s College101013-20

Gateway College – Top for Now 🟢

Gateway College leads with 5 points after finishing all their group-stage matches. Their unbeaten record gives them a strong edge, but their qualification still depends on the final two matchdays. They’ll be watching closely as St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s fight for crucial wins.

St. Benedict’s College – Advantage in Hand ⚪

With 4 points from 2 games, St. Benedict’s College holds the upper hand. A victory in their next match will guarantee a quarterfinal spot, potentially as Group winners. A draw could still be enough, but a defeat would leave them vulnerable to a late surge from the other two schools.

St. Patrick’s College – Still in the Race 🟡

With 1 point from 2 games, St. Patrick’s still has a chance to qualify — but only if they win the remaining match. They’ll also need to improve their goal difference, currently at -1, to stay competitive in case of a tie on points.

St. Joseph’s College – A Must-Win Situation 🔵

After losing their opening game, St. Joseph’s College faces a do-or-die scenario. With two matches left, the Josephians must win both — and by convincing margins — to stay in contention for a top-two finish. Anything less will end their campaign.

Qualification Scenarios:

  • 🏆 If St. Benedict’s wins next match: Gateway and Benedict’s advance.
  • 🤝 If St. Benedict’s draws next match: Gateway likely through; second spot open between Benedict’s and Patrick’s.
  • If St. Benedict’s loses: St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s could qualify by winning their remaining games.

The Group C showdown promises edge-of-the-seat drama as school football’s finest battle for survival in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025. Every point counts — and one mistake could end a dream run.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, photos, and exclusive post-match reactions from the players and coaches.

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CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year

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In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.

Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.

CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:

“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”

SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:

“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”

Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.

🏆 About the Championship

  • Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
  • Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
  • Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
  • Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
  • Finals Date: December 13, 2025
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