Key forward Dillon De Silva, who missed the last two international series, has rejoined the National Football Team ahead of their two-match FIFA friendly series against Yemen, Football Sri Lanka (FSL) sources reveal.
The matches scheduled for yesterday (16) and Tuesday (19) in Doha, Qatar, are vital for Sri Lanka’s preparation ahead of the third round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Twenty-two-year-old De Silva has already made an impact on the Sri Lankan football scene since his debut three years ago. With 16 caps and two goals for his country, he has established himself as one of the team’s key players.
His return is seen by football analysts as a significant boost for the national side, as Sri Lanka look to improve on their current FIFA ranking of 203, while Yemen is placed far ahead of them at 154.
Sri Lanka Coach Abdullah Almutairi has already expressed his excitement over De Silva’s reinclusion in the team, pointing to the forward’s experience and footballing nous, which he reckons should stand in good stead for them.
Sri Lanka will stride out against Yemen under the leadership of goalkeeper Sujan Perera and the squad has already been finalised by FSL.
Thus far under the tutelage of Almutairi, Sri Lanka have drawn and won against Cambodia both at home and away, while losing and drawing against Myanmar in recent FIFA friendlies.
The squad has shown notable improvement, driven by a new strategy and a much-needed revitalised approach to the game under the watchful eyes of their coach.
However, based on current FIFA World Rankings, Yemen is set to offer a litmus test to Perera’s men in the forthcoming friendlies in Qatar.
The SL squad
Sujan Perera (Captain), Kaveesha Fernando, Adhavan Rajmohan, H. Fernando, Oliver Kelaart, Jude Supun, Jason Thayaparan, Mohammad Aquib, B. Suresh, Leon Perera, Mohamed Rifkhan, Claudio Kamarknecht, Mohammad Musharique, Sam Durant, Mohamed Azmeer, Anujan Rajendran, Mohamed Aman, Jack Hingert, Manaram Perera, Dillon De Silva, Chalana Chameera, Mohammad Nilham, Senal Sandesh, and Rahul Suresh
(JK)