Date: June 10, 2025
Venue: Race Course, Colombo
Tournament: AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Group D
Final Score: Sri Lanka 3 – 1 Chinese Taipei
FIFA Rankings: Chinese Taipei – 166 | Sri Lanka – 200

In a stunning upset, Sri Lanka’s national football team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 Group D qualifier held on June 10. The performance not only earned Sri Lanka three crucial points but also reaffirmed their ability to compete with higher-ranked opponents on the international stage.

Goal-Scorers:

• Adhavan Rajamohan – 48’
• Dillon De Silva – 52’
• Waseem Razeek – 57’

After a goalless first half, Sri Lanka came out with renewed energy and dominated early in the second half, scoring three goals within just 10 minutes, completely overturning the momentum.

Ranking Impact:

• Sri Lanka: 200th → +0.97 points
• Chinese Taipei: 166th → –10.71 points

The win came despite a major ranking gap, showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing confidence and improved tactical discipline under pressure.

Match Summary:

Sri Lanka’s national football team returns to action today in a much-anticipated clash against Chinese Taipei in an international friendly that has all the makings of a tense tactical battle. With a strong recent run, bolstered by foreign-based Sri Lankan-origin players, the Lions are beginning to roar again on the international stage.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka remains unbeaten against Chinese Taipei in previous AFC competitions:

• 2009 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
• 2008 AFC Challenge Cup: Sri Lanka 2 – 2 Chinese Taipei

Despite the long gap since their last encounter, these results offer Sri Lanka a psychological edge heading into today’s game.

Sri Lanka’s Recent Form – Powered by Diaspora Talent

Wins: 3 | Losses: 2
Goals Scored: 4 | Goals Conceded: 4
Clean Sheets: 2

Foreign-Based Talent Changing the Game

Sri Lanka’s improvement is largely attributed to the inclusion of Sri Lankan-origin players based overseas, with 10 out of 11 starters in recent matches hailing from professional leagues abroad – particularly from Europe and Australia. These players have brought:

• Higher tactical intelligence
• Greater fitness and pace
• Improved defensive structure

Their presence has elevated the team’s gameplay from regional underdogs to serious competitors. Players like Dilon De Silva, Claudio Mathias, and Oliver kellart have been instrumental in controlling midfield and backline transitions.

Chinese Taipei’s Recent Form

Wins: 2 | Losses: 3
Goals Scored: 11 | Goals Conceded: 9

While Taipei have been prolific going forward, their defense has consistently crumbled under pressure — something Sri Lanka’s high-press strategy may exploit.

FIFA Rankings Snapshot (April 2025)

Although ranked 34 places lower, Sri Lanka is the side on the rise. The current trend suggests a closing gap between the two nations.

Match Insights

• Form Turnaround: Sri Lanka has won 3 of its last 5, thanks to overseas reinforcements.
• Taipei’s Vulnerability: Conceded 9 goals in 5 games – major defensive frailty.
• Diaspora Impact: Sri Lanka fielded 10/11 foreign-based players in their latest win.
• Slow First Halves: Both teams often start slow – expect a tactical first half.

Prediction & Final Word

With the quality injected by Sri Lankan-origin professionals and tactical cohesion developing, Sri Lanka appears poised to maintain its unbeaten record against Chinese Taipei.

Prediction: Sri Lanka 2 – 1 Chinese Taipei
Man to Watch: Dilon De Silva – winger brings flair, speed, and vision to Sri Lanka’s left flank.

Catch all the action, post-match reactions, and behind-the-scenes content exclusively on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

In a tragic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, a deadly stampede at the celebratory event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured several others. The aftermath has sparked controversy and accountability issues, leading to major resignations and legal action.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned on Friday, citing “moral responsibility” for the incident. Their resignations were submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, as questions mount over mismanagement and negligence at the overcrowded venue.

The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR listing RCB, DNA Entertainment (event partner), and KSCA as accused parties. Police confirmed that the event had not been granted official permission. In a swift move, Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested—raising further scrutiny over organizational lapses.

KSCA has filed a writ petition calling the FIR a “knee-jerk” reaction under political pressure. They argued that crowd control and gate management were the responsibilities of RCB and the event organizers, not KSCA.

RCB has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim and committed to covering all medical expenses of the injured. However, the franchise has yet to make a comprehensive public statement.

This incident raises serious concerns about sports event management and safety standards, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of celebration in Indian cricket