Sri Lanka beat Brunei 1-0 yesterday (5) in a FIFA International Friendly game played at the Alpine Football Camp Training Ground in Bangkok, Thailand.

The game was a hard-fought battle with the first half ending in a scoreless 0-0 with both teams going at each other. However overall Sri Lanka had dominance in the game.

The 55th minute of the game saw the breakthrough which the Lankan Golden Army was searching for as Leon Perera (12) found the back of the net to stamp the South Asian nation’s prowess in the game. Perera’s goal came off a brilliantly timed cross kick from Dillon de Silva (11).

From there onwards the Lions roared ahead as they chased victory against Brunei after 16 long years. 

At the end of full time Sri Lanka took sweet revenge over Brunei with super-substitute Leon Perera making an instant and valiant impact, to slot the solitary goal in the second half to secure a morale boosting win for the Island nation.

According to many experts, this decisive win has set the tone for a positive momentum at the perfect time just before the all important AFC Asian Cup Qualifier 3rd Round clash on Tuesday (10) against Chinese Taipei to be played at the Colombo Racecourse at 3.45 p.m.

Yesterday’s (5) game between Sri Lanka and Brunei was a critical test of two of the lowest FIFA World ranked outfits. Sri Lanka at 200th place whilst Brunei placed at 185th. 

According to available records, Sri Lanka and Brunei first faced each other in 2009. Sri Lanka clinched the maiden victory in thumping style 5-1 at the AFC Challenge Cup. 

In 2024, Brunei got their act together to record successive wins (both 1-0). With Brunei now leading the series 2-1. With Thursday's (5) win, Sri Lanka have levelled the win tally 2-2 in the Sri Lanka-Brunei football matchups.