Head Coach optimistic SL will perform well against Yemen

Sri Lanka National Football team head coach Andy Morrison – Pic by Lasantha Kumara 

Sri Lanka National Football team head coach Andy Morrison, is quite optimistic that his boys will give their best against Yemen in the World Cup 2026 qualifying first leg, which is to kick-off in Abha, Saudi Arabia on 12 October.

Speaking at the press briefing held at Football House yesterday, Andy Morrison - who resumed duty after a lapse of one year due to the suspension of FIFA - expressed his views after the last few weeks of training with the National team.

"We had a few weeks of training with the boys. At the beginning the situation was not very satisfactory, especially with regard to physical fitness. They faced various issues like hamstring and pulled muscles. We gradually built up the momentum, which was tough at one stage. But the boys were determined and had the courage to give their best to the country. It is a huge task to get into rhythm after a barren period of almost a year where no football was played. Nevertheless, we continued our training and saw improvement every day, which is a positive sign."

Yemen is ranked 156 by FIFA. In the recent past they lost 3-2 to Oman in a close tussle, while being drubbed by Iraq 5-0. According to their team reports, the majority of their players are playing in various leagues overseas. Overall  it will be an acid test for the Lankan Lions.

Six Overseas players of SL origin to join National Team

FSL is making efforts to accommodate 6 overseas players who are of Sri Lankan origin and holding dual citizenship status. These players have shown an interest to represent the country.

Waseem Razeek and Senan de Silva, two players who represented the country at the SAFF Tournament followed by the Four Nations Tournament, will arrive in the country today. Other four players are already here and finalising their documentation to join the squad. "Yemen is a higher ranked team and their players are in the game regularly unlike us. We are happy to get a few overseas players who are eligible to don the National jersey. We will have to rotate the players and make necessary changes at the right time in order to put up a commendable performance," Andy further added.

The second leg of the qualifier will be staged on 17 October at the Race Course stadium at 3.00 p.m. The captain of the team is likely to be announced within the next few days. Meanwhile, FSL has offered a cash Bonanza for each player. If they win either leg each player will receive Rs.250,000 and they win both then Rs.500,000 plus another Rs.250,000 as bonus granted.

The Sri Lankan Squad:

Sujan Perera, Prabath Ruwan Arunasiri, Nicholus Harsha Fernando, Charitha Bandara Rathnayake, Chalana Chameera, Asikur Rahuman, Faizer Mohamed Aman, Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando, Shenal Sandesh Pingho, Mariyathas Nitharshan, Nawshad Afeel Mohamed, Jude Supan, Faizal Mohamed Aakib, Waseem Razeek, Nazeer Mohamed Shifan, Chathuranga Madushan, Mohamed Shabeer, Chamod Dilshan,   Rifkhan Mohamed, Kavindu Ishan, Naizer Mohamad Fasal, Senan de Silva, Aris Mohamed Hasmeer, Andy Morrison (Head Coach)