News
Change in SAFF Women’s and SAFF U17 fixtures!!!
In the executive committee meeting of the South Asian Football Federation held on August 17, 2022, it has been decided to revise the date of the SAFF Women’s Championship and the SAFF U17 Championship, which are scheduled to start on August 24, and bring those matches to August 23, 2022. There are also reports that there could be further developments in the suspension imposed by FIFA on India.
If the FIFA decision remains the same, the match schedule of the SAFF U17 Championship to be held in Sri Lanka from September 5, 2022, will be changed. As for the SAFF Women’s Championship, six teams will be divided into two groups, while the match schedule and team placement will remain the same.
In this meeting, the General Secretary of Nepal Football Association and the President of Sri Lanka Football Federation informed about the tournament preparations and assured that the tournament will be held peacefully.
The competition calendar for the year 2023 was also approved in this meeting. The match calendar has been designed in line with the AFC match calendar for 2023 and 2024.
The following matches are to be played under FIFA forward schedules:
SAFF U20Women’s Championship (3-13 Feb 2023/ Tentative)
SAFF U17 Women’s Championship (10-20 March 2023/ Tentative)
SAFF U19 Championship (In between July- Aug 2023/ Tentative)
SAFF U16 Championship (In between Sept-Oct 2023/ Tentative )
SAFF කාන්තා සහ SAFF U17 තරග කාලසටහනේ වෙනසක්!!!
2022 අගෝස්තු 17 වැනි දින පැවැති දකුණු ආසියානු පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ විධායක කමිටු රැස්වීමේදී එළැබෙන අගෝස්තු 24 වැනිදා ආරම්භ කිරීමට නියමිත SAFF කාන්තා ශූරතාවලියේ සහ SAFF U17 ශූරතාවලියේ දිනය සංශෝධනය කිරීමට තීරණය කර ඇති අතර එම තරග 2022 අගෝස්තු 23 ට රැගෙන ඒමට තීරණය කර ඇත. FIFA විසින් ඉන්දියාවට පනවා ඇති අත්හිටුවීමේ තවත් වර්ධනයන් විය හැකි බවටද වාර්ථා වේ.
FIFA තීරණය එලෙසම පවතී නම්, 2022 සැප්තැම්බර් 5 සිට ශ්රී ලංකාවේ පැවැත්වීමට නියමිත SAFF U17 ශූරතාවලියේ තරඟ කාලසටහන වෙනස් කරනු ලැබේ. SAFF කාන්තා ශූරතාවලිය සම්බන්ධයෙන් ගත් කල, කණ්ඩායම් හයක් කාණ්ඩ දෙකකට බෙදා ඇති අතර, තරග කාලසටහන සහ කණ්ඩායම් ස්ථානගත කිරීම එලෙසම පවතිනු ඇත.
මෙම රැස්වීමේදී නේපාල පාපන්දු සංගමයේ ප්රධාන ලේකම් සහ ශ්රී ලංකා පාපන්දු සම්මේලනයේ සභාපතිවරයා තරගාවලි සුදානම් කිරීම් පිළිබඳව දැනුම් දුන් අතර තරගාවලිය සාමකාමීව පැවැත්වීමට වගබලා ගන්නා බවට සහතික විය.
මෙම රැස්වීමේදී 2023 වසර සඳහා තරඟ දින දර්ශනය ද අනුමත කරගන්නා ලදී. තරඟ දින දර්ශනය 2023 සහ 2024 සඳහා AFC තරඟ දින දර්ශනයට අනුකූල නිර්මාණය කර ඇත.
පහත දැක්වෙන තරඟ FIFA ඉදිරි කාලසටහන් යටතේ පැවැත්විය යුතුය:
SAFF U20 කාන්තා ශූරතාවලිය (3-13 පෙබරවාරි 2023/ තාවකාලික)
SAFF U17 කාන්තා ශූරතාව (10-20 මාර්තු 2023/ තාවකාලික)
SAFF U19 ශූරතාව (ජූලි-අගෝස්තු 2023/ තාවකාලිකව)
SAFF U16 ශූරතාව (සැප්තැම්බර්-ඔක්තෝබර් 2023/ තාවකාලිකව)
SAFF பெண்கள் மற்றும் SAFF U17 நாட்களில் மாற்றம்!!!
ஆகஸ்ட் 17, 2022 அன்று நடைபெற்ற தெற்காசிய கால்பந்து சம்மேளனத்தின் செயற்குழு கூட்டத்தில் ஆகஸ்ட் 24 ஆம் தேதி தொடங்க உள்ள SAFF மகளிர் சாம்பியன்ஷிப் மற்றும் SAFF U17 சாம்பியன்ஷிப் போட்டிகளின் தேதியை திருத்தி அந்த போட்டிகளை கொண்டு வர முடிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஆகஸ்ட் 23, 2022 வரை. இந்தியா மீது ஃபிஃபா விதித்துள்ள இடைநீக்கத்தில் மேலும் முன்னேற்றங்கள் இருக்கலாம் என்றும் தகவல்கள் உள்ளன.
FIFA முடிவு அப்படியே இருந்தால், செப்டம்பர் 5, 2022 முதல் இலங்கையில் நடைபெறவுள்ள SAFF U17 சாம்பியன்ஷிப்பின் போட்டி அட்டவணை மாற்றப்படும். SAFF மகளிர் சாம்பியன்ஷிப்பைப் பொறுத்தவரை, ஆறு அணிகள் இரண்டு குழுக்களாகப் பிரிக்கப்படும், அதே நேரத்தில் போட்டி அட்டவணை மற்றும் அணி இடம் ஆகியவை அப்படியே இருக்கும்.
இச்சந்திப்பில் நேபாள உதைபந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் பொதுச் செயலாளரும் இலங்கை உதைபந்தாட்ட சம்மேளனத்தின் தலைவரும் போட்டிக்கான ஏற்பாடுகள் குறித்து தெரிவித்ததுடன் போட்டிகள் அமைதியாக நடைபெறும் என உறுதியளித்தனர்.
இந்தக் கூட்டத்தில் 2023ஆம் ஆண்டுக்கான போட்டி நாட்காட்டிக்கும் ஒப்புதல் அளிக்கப்பட்டது. போட்டி காலண்டர் 2023 மற்றும் 2024 ஆம் ஆண்டிற்கான AFC போட்டி காலெண்டருக்கு ஏற்ப வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
FIFA முன்னோக்கி அட்டவணையின் கீழ் பின்வரும் போட்டிகள் விளையாடப்படும்:
SAFF U20பெண்கள் சாம்பியன்ஷிப் (3-13 பிப்ரவரி 2023/ தற்காலிகமானது)
SAFF U17 மகளிர் சாம்பியன்ஷிப் (10-20 மார்ச் 2023/ தற்காலிகமானது)
SAFF U19 சாம்பியன்ஷிப் (ஜூலை- ஆகஸ்ட் 2023/ தற்காலிகமாக)
SAFF U16 சாம்பியன்ஷிப் (செப்டம்பர்- அக்டோபர் 2023/ தற்காலிகமாக)
Football
Sri Lanka Women Finish Qualifiers with 0 Goals, 20 Conceded – Who Will Take Responsibility?
Colombo, July 3 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team wrapped up their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a third straight defeat — a 2-0 loss to Laos — confirming their position at the bottom of Group F, with 0 wins, 0 goals scored, and 18 conceded in just three games.
But beyond the scorelines lies a far more serious issue: a complete collapse of women’s football development in Sri Lanka. And this time, the blame does not lie on one individual — but on a system that has failed the sport, from top to bottom.

Match-by-Match Recap
Match 1: Sri Lanka 0 – 10 Uzbekistan
- Possession: 30%
- Shots on Target: 0
- xG: 0.0 vs Uzbekistan’s 3.60
- A game that exposed a lack of preparation, structure, and fitness from the very start.
Match 2: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal
- Possession: 50%
- Defensive errors gifted goals, including a hat-trick by Sabitra Bhandari.
- xG: Nepal 3.76 vs Sri Lanka 0.60
- Tactical breakdown: Midfield collapsed under pressure, backline failed to close space.
Match 3: Sri Lanka 0 – 2 Laos
- Possession: 50%
- Shots on Target: 5
- xG: 2.56 (Laos) vs 1.08 (Sri Lanka)
- A more balanced performance, but defensive lapses in the 73rd and 90+2 minutes led to defeat. Sri Lanka couldn’t convert chances despite their best game statistically.
Final Group Standings – Group F
Team | MP | GF | GA | GD | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
🇳🇵 Nepal | 2 | 17 | 0 | +17 | 6 |
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 2 | 17 | 0 | +17 | 6 |
🇱🇦 Laos | 2 | 2 | 16 | -14 | 0 |
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 20 | -20 | 0 |
Tactical Issues Across All Matches
- No clear formation or transition play.
- Lack of defensive coordination — players failed to track runners, especially on the flanks.
- No attacking identity — only 1.08 xG across three games.
- In-game management absent — few substitutions or tactical shifts despite being outplayed.
While public criticism often targets the President of the Football Federation, this decline in women’s football runs deeper:
Who Is Accountable? Not Just the President
Women’s Football Committee:
- Failed to organize any domestic tournament in recent years.
- Selected the squad via open trials, with no league performance data to back selections.
- No consistent training camps or fitness programs.
Executive Committee:
- Remains silent on the recurring failures.
- No inquiries, reviews, or structural reforms have followed Sri Lanka’s repeated humiliations — including the U20 Women’s SAFF defeat earlier this year.
Technical & Development Staff:
- No tactical framework or youth development.
- No modern coaching methods or international exposure for players.
The Bigger Problem: Silence and Stagnation
Sri Lanka is not just losing matches — it’s losing direction. The current state of women’s football is not the result of one bad campaign. It’s the product of years of neglect, political appointments, and a failure to treat women’s football with equal priority.
Even now, there is no explanation from the Executive Committee on how the women’s team was prepared or what plans exist for recovery.
Time for a Reset, Not Excuses
If Sri Lanka is serious about competing in international football, the following must be addressed:
- ✅ A national women’s league
- ✅ Provincial and school-level competitions
- ✅ Professional coaching staff and structured fitness programs
- ✅ Regular international friendlies and camps
- ✅ Transparent selection processes based on performance, not politics
🔚 Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s 2026 AFC campaign should not just be remembered for the scorelines — but as a call for change. It is time for every stakeholder — from the Women’s Committee to the Executive — to reflect, respond, and rebuild.
News
Sri Lanka Set to Face UAE in Crucial Rugby Clash Tomorrow in Colombo
The Sri Lanka national rugby team will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a much-anticipated international rugby encounter set to take place today (July 4) at the iconic Racecourse Ground, Colombo.
As part of their final preparations, the Sri Lankan team held an intensive training session today under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. The team looked sharp, focused, and ready to bring their A-game to home soil.
This clash promises to be a key test for the Tuskers as they look to strengthen their footing in the regional rugby scene and gain momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. UAE, a rising force in Asian rugby, will also be eyeing a big performance away from home.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, and the match is anticipated to draw significant interest from local fans eager to witness top-tier rugby action.
📍 Match Info
🗓️ Date: July 4, 2025
📍 Venue: Racecourse Rugby Grounds, Colombo
🕒 Kick-off: TBA
Stay tuned for live updates, photos, and post-match coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Football
Sri Lanka Women Crushed 8-0 by Nepal in AFC Qualifiers – Tactical Collapse Raises Alarm
Colombo, July 2 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team suffered another brutal defeat in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, going down 8-0 to a confident and clinical Nepalese side. Coming just days after a 10-0 hammering by Uzbekistan, this latest loss highlights deeper tactical, technical, and structural issues within Sri Lanka’s women’s football system.
Full-Time Score: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal
Half-Time: 0 – 4
Venue: Group F – AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Key Match Statistics
Stat | Sri Lanka Women | Nepal Women |
---|---|---|
Possession | 50% | 50% |
Total Shots | 4 | 26 |
Shots on Target | 3 | 18 |
Shots off Target | 1 | 8 |
Expected Goals (xG) | 0.60 | 3.76 |
Corners | 0 | 14 |
Fouls | 4 | 6 |
Cards | 0 | 0 |
Offsides | 0 | 3 |
Tactical Breakdown – Why Sri Lanka Lost 8-0
Despite the possession being even at 50%, Sri Lanka was thoroughly outplayed. This is a classic case where possession stats mislead the reality on the pitch.
1. Poor Defensive Organization
- Sri Lanka conceded 14 corners and 18 shots on target, indicating that Nepal constantly penetrated both flanks and delivered into the box unchallenged.
- There was no compact defensive line, and Nepal exploited space behind Sri Lanka’s fullbacks repeatedly.
2. Ineffective Midfield Structure
- While Sri Lanka held possession equally, it was largely passive and in non-threatening zones.
- Nepal, on the other hand, converted their possession into 3.76 xG, showing how effective and vertical their transitions were.
3. Repeated Failures in Closing Down Key Players
- Sabitra Bhandari scored a hat-trick within 26 minutes (14’, 36’, 40’) and was left unmarked multiple times.
- Nepal’s attackers were given space and time to shoot – evident from the 18 shots on target.
4. No Offensive Threat
- Sri Lanka managed only 4 shots in the entire game, with an xG of just 0.60.
- With no corners and no real pressing, the team offered nothing going forward, allowing Nepal to push numbers up comfortably.
Back-to-Back Heavy Losses: Structural Failures Exposed
This defeat comes after a 10-0 loss to Uzbekistan, meaning Sri Lanka has now conceded 18 goals in two matches without scoring once.
This isn’t just a reflection of players’ on-field performance — it’s a glaring indictment of:
- FFSL’s failure to conduct any women’s football league in years
- A rushed team selection based on a short trial, without competitive match practice
- No structured coaching program or international exposure
- Lack of scouting, fitness programs, and tactical planning
Nepal, though not an Asian powerhouse, had better coaching structure, player chemistry, and clear tactics, which led to their dominance.
What’s Next for Sri Lanka?
If the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) and the Ministry of Sports continue to ignore these warning signs, Sri Lanka risks becoming irrelevant in women’s football on the Asian stage.
What’s needed:
- ✅ A proper national women’s league
- ✅ Regular youth-level competitions and scouting
- ✅ Appointing qualified coaching staff with modern tactical knowledge
- ✅ Consistent international exposure for players
Conclusion
An 8-0 defeat to Nepal isn’t just a bad result — it’s a mirror held up to a broken system. Unless real change is implemented beyond symbolic participation, these results will become Sri Lanka’s norm in women’s football.
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