SL put up swashbuckling performance to force 1-1 draw against Yemen in Soccer World Cup 2026 Qualifier

The jubilant Sri Lanka Football team skipper Charith Ratnayaka celebrates after scoring the goal is followed by his team mate Mohamed Aakib

By Althaf Nawaz 

 Sri Lanka›s national Football team put up a swashbuckling performance to force a 1-all draw against Yemen in the World Cup 2026 Qualifier second leg at Race Course Stadium yesterday.

After a barren period of almost one year, football loving public of the country were given an opportunity to witness a classical performance by the local footballers. Skipper Charith Ratnayaka spearheaded the attack and was instrumental in scoring the solitary goal for the hosts. He played a pivotal role in handling his players with finesse while manning the last line of defence and foiling several teasing moves which could have changed the complexion of the game.

FIFA 147 ranked Yemen after scoring a 3-0 win in the first leg, never had things going their way as they had to fight tooth and nail after an early flourish in the 4th minute, a goal awarded to them due to a defensive lapse. From then on, the visitors were given a torrid time. Their coach Miroslav Soukup was seen busy making several changes, replacing his players with the hope of increasing their goal tally, which ultimately was of no avail.

Soon after lemons (trailing 0-1), Lankans had a golden opportunity of equalising when a Yemeni player was penalised for handball. Key striker Waseem Razeek was entrusted with the kick, and to the disappointment of the team and spectators, he fluffed the kick which went astray.

The last quarter of the match produced some anxious moments, as the Yemenis made several attempts to increase their lead further, while the hosts were hunting for the equaliser. After a series of sudden moves and close tussles in the rival’s box area, Shenal Sandesh chipped in a ball which was collected by Charith, who sneaked through the rival defense to score via a header to equalise the score. The additional six minutes, too, did not make any change in the score, and when referee Clifford Daypuyat blew the full time whistle the score was deadlocked at 1-1.

The jubilant Lankan coach Andy Morrison speaking to the media at the post-match press briefing said, “It was a fantastic performance by the boys. It has to be said that on the previous night before the game, 5 of our key players were found unfit due to a viral flu, which was a bombshell on us. But after discussion with senior players, including the captain, we had to make a drastic change to the team composition. The boys had big hearts and were determined to give their best for the country, which they did today. I, as coach, am absolutely delighted about it. Within a short span we were able to overcome various challenges and build a squad for this competition. I commend the boys who were equally up to the task. This result has now opened up avenues for us to plan for the future with the addition of eligible overseas players. Sri Lanka Football has a bright future if we execute a proper plan which we hope to embark on.”

Captain Charith Ratnayaka said: “As a unit we are happy with our performance. Within a short time, we were able to rise as a unit. I thank all my seniors and the other members who were very keen in performing for the country. It is our head coach Andy who played a key role by moulding us as a unit. His coaching was something extraordinary than our previous coaches. The key feature of his coaching is that he entrusts the responsibility to each player and briefs us on how to execute it, which makes things easy for us. We hope to continue and win many more tournaments for the country.”