High-riding islanders brought down to earth
Sri Lanka, fresh from its historic 1-0 win over Yemen last Saturday (16) in the first FIFA friendly encounter, were brought down to earth in stunning fashion, as they crashed to a 2-0 loss to their hosts, in the second and final game of the two-match series at Doha Qatar on Tuesday (19).
Yemen ranked 154th in the world by FIFA and smarting from its unexpected defeat in the opening game to the visitors, bounced back in typical style to subdue the Lankans, as the latter went down fighting.
In the end Yemen was able to square the FIFA friendly series 1-1 and it further underscored the gulf in class between the two nations.
Yemen had taken a 1-0 lead at half-time after Hamza Maharouse found the net for their opening goal in the 20th minute of the game.
Sri Lanka also had an opportunity to score in the 34th minute when they were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box.
Sri Lanka’s star striker and hero of their victory in the opening fixture Jack Hingert stepped up to take the penalty, but unfortunately his kick struck the goalpost and the rebound was comfortably cleared by the Yemen defence.
Sri Lanka to their credit fought gamely in search of the equaliser playing with renewed enterprise in the second-half, but ultimately Yemen settled the issue by firing in their second goal in the first minute of extra time.
Yemen player Nasar was the match-winner for them as he booted their final goal to dash the dreams of the visitors, after they had hoped to ride on their stunning triumph in the first-leg of the series last weekend.
But, the strides made by Sujan Perera’s side ranked 203rd in the world, in recent months in international football, was evident as they managed to draw the series.
They had earlier drawn and won against Cambodia both at home and away, while losing and drawing against Myanmar in recent FIFA friendlies.
Following the tied series against Yemen, the Lankans have climbed up three places to occupy 200th spot in the FIFA World Rankings. (JK)