Sri Lanka Announces Squad for World Cup Qualifier Against Yemen: Rathnayake to Lead in Saudi Arabia

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has unveiled the national squad set to face Yemen in the first game of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on October 12th in Abha, Saudi Arabia. The squad, featuring a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, will be led by Charitha Rathnayake in the opening fixture, with Harsha Fernando taking on the captaincy for the subsequent match.

In a move that highlights the transitional phase within the team, FFSL has appointed Rathnayake and Fernando as interim captains. This decision reflects the federation's strategy to assess leadership dynamics during the qualifiers before finalizing a long-term captain for future international engagements.

Sri Lanka National Football Team Roster:

• Charitha Bandara Rathnayake (C)
• Chamod Dilshan (VC)
• Nicholus 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
• Rajamohan Adhavan (pending international documentation approval)

The squad will be managed by head coach Andy Morrison, who has been instrumental in guiding the team through their preparation for the qualifiers. Under Morrison's leadership, Sri Lanka will be looking to make a strong start in the qualifiers, aiming to secure a favorable result against a challenging Yemeni side.

Notably absent from the squad is Asikur Rahuman, who is suspended for the match against Yemen due to a second caution received during Sri Lanka’s previous World Cup Qualifier match against South Korea on June 9th, 2021. Additionally, Dillon Senan De Silva has been sidelined due to injury, which has further influenced the squad selection.

As Sri Lanka gears up for the crucial qualifier, the team will rely on the experience of players like Sujan Perera and Waseem Razeek, while also looking to emerging talents such as Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando and Shenal Sandesh Pingho to make an impact on the international stage.

The FFSL’s decision to rotate captains during these qualifiers underscores the ongoing efforts to solidify the team’s leadership and strategy as they continue their journey towards World Cup qualification. The outcomes of these matches will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of Sri Lankan football on the global stage.