Sri Lanka confident of tackling Yemen at home

Sri Lanka Coach Andy Morrison (left) and Sri Lanka captain Charitha Rathnayaka at the media briefing (Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana)  

By Susil Premalal  

The second leg between Sri Lanka and Yemen in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asia Cup 2027 preliminary round one will be held today (17) at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo commencing at 3.00 p.m.  

The first match between the two countries was held on October 12 in Saudi Arabia where Sri Lanka lost to Yemen 3-0.  

Since the Sri Lankan team has been defeated in the first leg, Sri Lanka is facing the challenge of defeating Yemen by 4-0 goals at home if they are to qualify for the second round.  
Meanwhile, Harsha Fernando was named as the captain of the Sri Lankan team for today’s match, but he will not participate in today’s match due to illness, according to Andy Morrison, the coach of the team.  

Therefore, Charitha Rathnayaka, who was captain in the first leg, will lead in today’s match as well.  

“The Sri Lanka team played well in the previous match even though there were minor shortcomings. This time we hope to pose a threat to the opponents in front of the local fans,” Sri Lanka coach Andy Morrison and Skipper Charitha Rathnayaka said at a media conference held at the Football House, yesterday.  

Meanwhile, Yemen team captain Haroon Al Subaidee and coach, Hiroslav Soukup commenting on the match said: “We did not face any big challenge in the first match. We are thinking of playing a relaxed game in this match. Our target is to qualify for the second round. Our team players are fit,” they said.