AFC Asia Cup 2027 Qualifiers Players pumped to achieve victory: Al Mutairi

• Sri Lanka face Cambodia in first leg in Colombo

By Althaf Nawaz

The newly appointed National coach Abdullah is very optimistic that his boys are capable of putting up a belligerent performance against Cambodia in the first leg of their AFC Asia Cup 2027 (Saudi Arabia) qualifying match to be played at the Race Course Stadium on 5 September. 

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

One of the vastly experienced personnel in the game, especially in the Asian region, Al Mutairi spoke very highly about his charges who are preparing for this all-important double header to be played on a home and away basis.

Speaking to Daily FT, Al Mutairi said his appointment came at very short notice, after regular National Coach Andy Morrison made himself unavailable due an injury and needed to undergo surgery. Al Mutairi took up this challenge on a joint request made by Aspire Group of Qatar Director Tim Cahill, along with Football Sri Lanka (FSL) President Jaswar Umar.

“Well, I am delighted to work with the Sri Lankan national team which has many promising players. Within my short stint, we are working hard to give our best for the country. The players are very pumped up and are striving hard to notch up a victory, which I feel is very much achievable.”

“Some critics might say that these boys lack match practice, but I don’t agree with that. What makes any team a winning combination is that they should have consistent training for over a period of time without having ad-hoc sessions, like what they have been practicing here. Nevertheless, as a unit, we are planning to overcome our rivals who have in their ranks some top players with experience playing overseas,” said Al Mutairi.

When inquired about the composition of the players, he said: “We sent out four players from the initial squad due to injuries. After that, we were able to select a strong squad to play a team like Cambodia.”

While elaborating on the available facilities for training, Al Mutairi went on to say: “I have coached several teams in this region, but some countries don’t have this many facilities or they don’t even play a league there. But they train their national teams over a long period which enables them to reach success in their endeavours. But here, we have some exceptional facilities. FSL should continue training with their national teams with a strategic plan if they are to achieve success,” he further added.

“The skill levels are on par with other countries, and they don’t have to play second fiddle. It’s just that proper planning and perfect execution will see the team reaching the pinnacle, slowly but steadily,” concluded Al Mutairi.

Sri Lanka will play the first leg on the 5th of this month and the second leg will be on the 10th of this month in Cambodia. Sri Lanka lost the series to Brunei at the last outing of the same tournament, while Cambodia managed to secure a single win over Mongolia in one of the legs with a 2-0 victory. 

FSL has decided entrance will be free of charge, but spectators who wish to witness this game will have to register themselves on a portal. The link will be made available today on various platforms.

Meanwhile, Sujan Perera will lead the Lankan Lions, which includes the young promising Under-20 squad player Thenuka Ranaweera.

The first three who will stand in this game as officials are from the United Arab Emirates and the fourth is from Palestine, while the Match Commissioner will be from the Maldives.

The Sri Lankan Squad: Sujan Perera (c), Harsha Fernando, Mohamed Aakib, Mohamed Hasmeer, Mohamed Aman, Barath Suresh, Waseem Razeek, Adhavan Rajamohan, Oliver Kelaart, Sacay Steven, Leon Perera, Wade Dekker, Jason Thayaparan, Jack Hingert, Claudio Matthias, Samuel Durrant, Shenal Sandish, Woranda Perera, Anujan Rajenderan, Firaz Marshook, Jude Supan, Mohamed Rifhan, Kaveesh Fenando, Mohamed Murshith, and Thenuka Ranaweera