Sri Lanka is set to face Laos in an exciting international friendly on March 20, 2025. This encounter is crucial for Sri Lanka as they continue their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The match will serve as a test for the team, currently ranked 200th in FIFA rankings, against Laos, ranked 186th.

Head-to-Head Record

Sri Lanka and Laos have met multiple times in the past, with Laos having a slight edge in their recent encounters:

• AFC Asian Cup 2013 – Laos won 4-2

• AFC Solidarity Cup 2016 – Laos won 2-1

• International Friendly 2019 – Laos won 2-1

• International Friendly 2019 – Draw 2-2

Can Sri Lanka turn the tables this time and secure a victory?

Sri Lanka Squad for the Match

Head Coach: Abdullah Almutairi

Captain: Sujan Perera (GK)

Goalkeepers: Sujan Perera, Kaveesh Lakpriya, Mohamed Mursith

Defenders: Chalana Chameera, Mohamed Aman, Mohamed Hasmeer, Rifkhan Mohamed, Mohamed Thilham, Anujan Rajendram, Oliver Kelaart, Barath Suresh

Midfielders & Forwards: Waseem Razeek, Adhavan Rajamohan, Leon Perera, Wade Dekker, Jack Hingert, Jason Thayaparan, Claudio Kammerknecht, Sam Durrant, William Thomason, Geremi Perera, Harsha Fernando, Garrett Kelly

With a strong lineup featuring both local talent and international experience, Sri Lanka aims to make a statement in this friendly clash.

Will Sri Lanka secure a win against Laos? Stay tuned for updates!

For live scores and match updates, visit Sri Lankan Sports TV.

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.

Colombo: Sri Lanka has officially been granted the hosting rights for the 2025 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, set to take place in June 2025. The decision marks a historic moment for Sri Lankan football, as the nation last hosted the tournament in 2008 alongside the Maldives.

The SAFF Championship is widely regarded as the “World Cup of South Asia,” bringing together the best footballing nations from the region. The 2025 edition will feature seven teams:

• India (Defending champions and most successful team)
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Maldives
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka (Host nation)

With the backing of home supporters, Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on this opportunity and aim for a deep run in the competition.

SAFF Championship: A Look at Past Editions and Winners

The SAFF Championship, first held in 1993, has seen 14 editions so far. India has been the most dominant team in the tournament’s history, winning a record 9 titles. The Maldives and Bangladesh have each won the tournament twice, while Sri Lanka claimed their only title in 1995, when they hosted the event in Colombo.

Here is a look at the past winners:

• India – 9 titles (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023)
• Maldives – 2 titles (2008, 2018)
• Bangladesh – 2 titles (2003, 2023)
• Sri Lanka – 1 title (1995)

Sri Lanka’s return as the host nation in 2025 gives them a golden opportunity to reclaim the championship after 30 years.

If executed well, the 2025 SAFF Championship could mark the beginning of a new era for Sri Lankan football, helping the nation rise again in South Asian football.

Can Sri Lanka make the most of this historic opportunity? The countdown to SAFF 2025 begins!