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2010 AFC Challenge Cup Special: Know Your Opponents - Team Sri Lanka
Continuing with our AFC Challenge Cup special series, in which we profile each of the other seven teams in the competition, Goal.com's Amoy Ghoshal looks at hosts Sri Lanka
13-Feb-2010 11:55:00 PM
By Amoy Ghoshal
FIFA Ranking: 151
Best Result In AFC Challenge Cup: Runners-Up In 2006
Result In Last AFC Challenge Cup: Group Stage
History:
Sri Lanka played their first ever international under the name of Ceylon in 1952 but have never been able to establish themselves at either world or continental level. They have been part of FIFA as Sri Lanka since 1972 but football has never been the number one sport in the country, and has always stayed in the shadow of the country’s cricket and rugby teams. However they have been one of the most consistent teams in the South Asian football arena. They have won the SAFF Cup once back in 1995 when the tournament was held in their country and have also been semi finalists twice. 2006 has been one of their most successful years as they finished runner up at both the South Asian Games and the AFC Challenge Cup. They qualified for the 2008 edition also but were knocked out in the group stage.
Current Team:
Unlike most other nations in this competition, Sri Lanka were quite active in 2009 as they took part in a number of tournaments including the Nehru Cup, where they defeated higher ranked Lebanon 4-3. However the Lankans lacked consistency which was evident in the SAFF Cup as they did well to reach the semis but were thrashed by Maldives. So despite playing a number of internationals they are still ranked as low as 151 which doesn’t show signs of any real improvement. But let’s not forget that they are hosting this tournament and the home nation always has a chance in a cup competition. On their day, Lanka can be a match for any of the other seven sides but they will have to play their best game in each and every match of this tournament. If they are able to do that, home support could see them through to the semis, which will be a great achievement.
Key Player:
Chathura Maduranga – The Sri Lankan captain is their midfield maestro and probably the backbone of the team. Despite having a good Nehru Cup, Maduranga wasn’t that inspiring in the SAFF Cup so he will be determined to be at his best in this competition.
Qualification:
Hosts Sri Lanka qualified after finishing top of Group D ahead of Pakistan.
The Group:
In the first two editions of this tournament, the host nation did get past the group stage so Sri Lanka will be counting on their home advantage. They need to win their opener against Myanmar so that they are not under pressure to beat highly fancied Tajikistan in the second game.
Verdict:
Sri Lanka definitely have a chance to go past the group stage as the tournament is being played in their own backyard. But after that they will need something special to stand any chance of reaching their second AFC Challenge Cup final.
Best Result In AFC Challenge Cup: Runners-Up In 2006
Result In Last AFC Challenge Cup: Group Stage
History:
Sri Lanka played their first ever international under the name of Ceylon in 1952 but have never been able to establish themselves at either world or continental level. They have been part of FIFA as Sri Lanka since 1972 but football has never been the number one sport in the country, and has always stayed in the shadow of the country’s cricket and rugby teams. However they have been one of the most consistent teams in the South Asian football arena. They have won the SAFF Cup once back in 1995 when the tournament was held in their country and have also been semi finalists twice. 2006 has been one of their most successful years as they finished runner up at both the South Asian Games and the AFC Challenge Cup. They qualified for the 2008 edition also but were knocked out in the group stage.
Current Team:
Unlike most other nations in this competition, Sri Lanka were quite active in 2009 as they took part in a number of tournaments including the Nehru Cup, where they defeated higher ranked Lebanon 4-3. However the Lankans lacked consistency which was evident in the SAFF Cup as they did well to reach the semis but were thrashed by Maldives. So despite playing a number of internationals they are still ranked as low as 151 which doesn’t show signs of any real improvement. But let’s not forget that they are hosting this tournament and the home nation always has a chance in a cup competition. On their day, Lanka can be a match for any of the other seven sides but they will have to play their best game in each and every match of this tournament. If they are able to do that, home support could see them through to the semis, which will be a great achievement.
Key Player:
Chathura Maduranga – The Sri Lankan captain is their midfield maestro and probably the backbone of the team. Despite having a good Nehru Cup, Maduranga wasn’t that inspiring in the SAFF Cup so he will be determined to be at his best in this competition.
Qualification:
Hosts Sri Lanka qualified after finishing top of Group D ahead of Pakistan.
The Group:
In the first two editions of this tournament, the host nation did get past the group stage so Sri Lanka will be counting on their home advantage. They need to win their opener against Myanmar so that they are not under pressure to beat highly fancied Tajikistan in the second game.
Verdict:
Sri Lanka definitely have a chance to go past the group stage as the tournament is being played in their own backyard. But after that they will need something special to stand any chance of reaching their second AFC Challenge Cup final.
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