Sri Lanka will face Yemen in the opener of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers today (12) in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Charitha Rathnayaka of Colombo FC and Harsha Fernando of Sri Lanka Air Force have been appointed as interim captains by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).
Charitha will lead the Lankans in the opener today with Old Ben and former Colombo FC player Chamod Bandra as Vice-Captain. Harsha Fernando will lead the outfit at the Colombo Racecourse on Tuesday (17) at 3 p.m. Sri Lanka time in their home fixture against Yemen.
Overseas players of Sri Lankan origin holding dual citizenship including well-known German-based Waseem Razeek, Rajamohan Adhavan and brothers Sanjay and Kavin Anthony are set to don the national jersey subject to international documents being approved.
Former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City player and Scotsman Andy Morrison is the island nation’s football Head Coach.
The Sri Lanka national squad for the opener against Yemen
Charitha Bandara Rathnayake (C), Chamod Dilshan (VC), Nicholas Harsha Fernando, Chalana Chameera, Sujan Perera, Prabath Ruwan Arunasiri, Faizer Mohamed Aman, Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando, Shenal Sandesh Pingho, Mariyathas Nitharshan, Nawshad Afeel Mohamed, Jude Supan, Faizal Mohamed Aakib, Waseem Razeek, Nazeer Mohamed Shifan, Chathuranga Madushan, Mohamed Shabeer, Rifkhan Mohamed, Kavindu Ishan, Naizer Mohamad Fasal, Aris Mohamed Hasmeer, Suresh Barath Sanjai Anthony, Suresh Rahul Kavin Anthony, and Rajamohan Adhavan (subject to international documentation approval)
Asikur Rahuman (Suspended for Yemen vs. Sri Lanka match due to receiving Double cautions in a single at the Sri Lanka vs South Korea game in the FIFA WCQ PJQR2 on 9 June 2021.)
Dillon Senan De Silva (Injured.)