The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has opted to bank on the experience of ace goalkeeper Sujan Perera, to lead the national team during its upcoming international assignments, as they released a 23-member squad on Sunday (16).
The squad selected by the FFSL is scheduled to face 97th ranked Thailand in Bangkok on next Tuesday (25), ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round.
Sri Lanka has been grouped alongside regional powerhouse Thailand, Turkmenistan (143rd ranked) and Chinese Taipei (165th ranked) in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round and they will have their work cut out, given the fierce challenge that awaits them.
FFSL sources said that in preparation for the crucial game against the Thais, the Sri Lanka squad are set to meet 186th ranked Laos National Team in a FIFA international friendly encounter at the Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, this Thursday (20).
FFSL sources revealed that they had chosen the national team with a mixture of both experience and youth based on the request of national coach Kuwaiti national Abdullah Almutairi as well as to suit their game plan mapped out for each of their opponents in forthcoming internationals.
It is also said that the national squad has been selected in such a manner with specific tactical objectives in mind and with an eye on the 2025 SAFF Championship the Lankans are determined to resort to a dynamic style of play.
National coach Almutairi has stressed on a structured tactical approach to ensure improved performances on the regional circuit.
Since taking over the island-nation last year Almutairi has managed to turn around the fortunes of the Lankans as they posted wins over a few of the regional sides in the recent past while improving their FIFA World Rankings to occupy the 200th spot currently.
With the inclusion of a few overseas born players with Lankan heritage, they are gearing up to continue their progress in the forthcoming season.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad are German born Claudio Kammerknecht, who plays as a defender and Australian-born Wade Dekker, who plays as a striker along with local stars such as Mohammad Aman and Waseem Razeek.
The squad also features two additional goalkeepers to back skipper Perera and they are Kaveesh Lakpriya and Mohamad Murzik.
Those included in the defensive line are Mohammad Hasmeer, Rifkhan Mohammad, Jason Thayaparan, England-born Jack Hingert, and William Thompson.
Among others to watch out for in the national colours would be Sam Durrant, Australian born Oliver Kelaart, Adhavan Rajmohan, Chalana Chameera, Lion Perera and B. Suresh, to name a few.
However, according to football analysts, the loss of UK-based winger Dillon de Silva who was laid low by injury in a recent club competition will be felt by the national team, with the onus on the rest to step and produce the goods in his absence.
SL Football squad:
Sujan Perera (capt.), Chalana Chamera, Mohammad Aman, Kaveesh Lakpriya, Mohammad Mursith, Mohammad Hasmeer, Rifkhan Mohammad, Mohammad Thilham, Anujan Rajendram, Wazim Rasik, Oliver Kelaart, Bharath Suresh, Adhavan Rajmohan, Lion Perera, Wade Dekker, Jason Thayaparan, Jack Hingert, William Thompson, Claudio Kammerknecht, Sam Durrant, Geremi Perera, Harsha Fernando, and Garrett Kelly