Sri Lanka opens campaign against Maldives

Bernard PERERA

SOCCER: Hosts Sri Lanka will launch their campaign for the 10th South Asian Games soccer gold with a first round match against Maldives to be played under lights at Sugathadasa Stadium commencing from 8 p.m.

Though the Games will officially be opened on Friday, the Games proper starts today with the soccer preliminaries.

The eight-nation Games will be the biggest ever multi-sport event ever to be held in Sri Lanka and include 19 other disciplines.

"Sri Lanka is geared to face any challenge thrown by the Maldivians," said Sri Lanka team manager, Clement de Silva.

"The Maldivians are a tough team, be it at any level. We are well aware of their tactics. Our players will have to get adjusted to the situation."

Korean coach Jang Jung has groomed the players to handle any playing condition. "This is an advantage," said de Silva. Speaking, further Silva said that the team is fully confident of performing best to their abilities on this great occasion. All players are in good shape and there are no injury worries, according to the team Doctor Manil Fernando.

De Silva added that as Sri is playing well on local soil, the hosts have a slight advantage. "We must make the maximum use of it," he said. The final team will be announced before the game," said de Silva.

Coach Jung too is of the view that the team can overcome their opposition if they stick to the original game plan.

The Manager of the Maldivian team Abdul Ahamed Ghafoor, speaking to the Daily News said that their side is in fine fettle and hoping to play good soccer and emerge victorious. "This is one of the most important games for us. I am confident that our team would play well here and go back to Male with a medal."

Few of the Madivian reporters were of the view that Sri Lanka has a balanced team, with highly experienced goal keeper Sandun Devinda. One journalist said he is sure to pose problems for the Maldivian side.

The first game of the day will see the Indians play Afghanistan at 4.00 p.m. at the same venue, while Bangladesh take on Nepal at 8.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team will arrive in Colombo on August 17. They are currently playing in the Middle East and will play their first game on August 19 against Sri Lanka.

The South Asin Games soccer championship will conclude on August 26, two days before the closing ceremony of the Games.

Sri Lanka squad:

Asnaka Viraj GK, H.A.M. Umara GK, Sandun Devinda (Capt) GK, R.D Ruwanthilake (V. Capt) (Defender), W.M.R.P. Fernando (Defender), T. Nalinda Kumara (Defender), K. Mahesh Savithra (Defender), Nisal Nilanga (Defender), Dumindu Hettiarachchi (Defender), R.A.S. Lochana (Defender), Balagamage Shiwanka (Forward), S.A.D. Nirantha Perera (Forward), Nuwantha Charaka (Forward), Nadeeka Pushpakumara (Forward), Anton Nimal Fernando (Forward), W.W. Sudra Madushanka (Mid Fielder), L.A.S.T. Bandara (Mid Fielder), M.A.T. Thejan Fernando (Mid Fielder), K.R. Pradeep Fernando (Mid Fielder), D. Rukmal Pinto (Mid Fielder).

SSP Clement De Silva - (Manager), Mr. Jang Jung - (Coach), Dr. Manil Fernando - (Team Doctor), Mr. D. Chandrasiri - (Asst. Coach), Mr. E. Balendran - (Asst. Coach), Mr. S.N.P.K. Silva - (Masseur).

Maldives squad:

Ahmed Areesh, Ibrahim Ifrah Areef (GK), Mohamed Nimal, Mohamed Sifan, Mohamed Umair, Ahamed Wadeeu, Mohamed Arif Ali Ashfal (Capt), Faruhad Ismail, Ashad Ali Shinaz Hilmy, Adam Niyaaz, Adam Maurro, Akram Abdul Gani, Hussain Simaz, Abdul Muhaimin Mohamed, Izzath Abdul Baree, Shiffau Hamed Didi, Ahmed Ashfan, Ahmed Mubbark, (Manager) Abdul Ahamed A. Gahffor, Doctor Ahamed Shakyb.