Sri Lanka will play attacking football against India, says captain Perera

Head Coach Amir Alegic (L) and captain Sujan Perera at the media briefing yesterday 

By Susil Premalal reporting from the Maldives

Sri Lanka captain Sujan Perera said they will continue with their attacking style of play despite coming up against the formidable seven-time champions India in their third match of the SAFF Football Championship at the National Stadium in the Maldives today. Kick-off is at 4.30 p.m. (Sri Lanka time).

Sri Lanka have already suffered two defeats at the hands of Bangladesh (0-1) and Nepal (2-3) but Perera vowed to maintain the same style of play against India as well.

“We are not really concerned about our opponents’ strength and their reputation in this tournament but we will continue to play our own style of football,” Perera added.      

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Bosnian Head Coach Amir Alagic said he is quite pleased with the manner Sri Lanka have progressed in this tournament despite losing both their earlier matches.

Alagic, who will be in charge of the team for the last time before taking up duties as Technical Director of Football Sri Lanka (FSL), said they had only 18 days of proper training because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The odds will be heavily against Sri Lanka as they have beaten India only on three occasions from the previous 16 matches while losing nine games with rest ending in draws.        

Sri Lanka last defeated India back in 2000 when they triumphed 1-0 at the Maldives Golden Jubilee Tournament.
Before that, Sri Lanka defeated India 1-0 at the 1995 SAFF Tournament in Colombo and also won 3-2 in a friendly international in 1998.