Sri Lanka’s women’s team had to wind up their AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign in a humiliating manner, suffering three straight defeats in the preliminary round. Throughout the tournament, the Sri Lankan lasses failed to score a single goal while conceding 20. The matches were held at the Do’Stilik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
This dismal performance raised serious concerns about the complete collapse of women’s football in Sri Lanka, spotlighting deep-rooted issues in the football system, player development, and administrative oversight.
Sri Lanka vs Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan wasted no time asserting dominance, opening the scoring in the 3rd minute when Ludmiya Karachik delivered a perfect cross for Nilufar Kudratova to convert. A similar move later in the half resulted in another goal.
Karachik capitalised on a poor clearance in the 18th minute to extend the lead, and two minutes later, she latched onto a through ball from Feruza Turdiboeva to slot home another. Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva added a fifth just before halftime.
(HT: Sri Lanka 0 – 5 Uzbekistan)
The Uzbek lasses maintained relentless pressure in the second half. Kudratova completed her hat-trick in the 52nd minute, finishing another cross from Karachik. In the 68th minute, Maftuna Shoyimova netted Uzbekistan’s seventh goal.
The floodgates remained open as Kudratova struck again in the 73rd minute. Khabibullaeva then scored two more—one in the 87th minute and another a minute later—completing her own hat-trick and sealing a crushing opening match victory.
(FT: Sri Lanka 0 – 10 Uzbekistan)
Sri Lanka vs Nepal
Nepal took an early lead in the 7th minute when Anita Basnet delivered a perfect corner for Gita Rana, who headed it home. In the 20th minute, Basnet again proved decisive, capitalising on a poor clearance by Sakura Sewwandi Subasinghe to set up Sabitra Bhandari for an easy finish.
Bhandari doubled her tally in the 42nd minute with a looping effort over the Sri Lankan keeper, then completed her hat-trick with a stoppage-time header.
(HT: Sri Lanka 0 – 4 Nepal)
Nepal tightened their grip in the second half, forcing a penalty after Rashmi was brought down in the box. Gita Rana converted from the spot without error.
Later, Nisha Thokar added her name to the scoresheet following a corner from Anita, and substitute Rekha Poudel also found the net. Finally, Puja Rana netted Nepal’s eighth goal of the evening. The Nepali lasses were clinical and composed throughout, while the Sri Lankan side had no answers to the intense pressure.
(FT: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal)
Sri Lanka vs Laos
Both teams entered their final preliminary round match without a win, having suffered heavy defeats. A tight battle was expected, and the first half lived up to that expectation.
Laos had an early opportunity after gaining possession inside Sri Lanka’s box but failed to capitalise. Sri Lanka responded with a chance of their own when a clearance from Laos defender Lyna Latsamee fell to Imesha, whose weak shot was easily collected. At the brink of halftime, Laos surged down the right flank and sent in a dangerous cross, but once again couldn’t convert.
(HT: Sri Lanka 0 – 0 Laos)
After the break, Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity when Praveena Perera found space in the box, but her effort hit the side netting.
In the 72nd minute, Laos broke the deadlock in unfortunate fashion as Sri Lankan defender Ashani Anuradhini accidentally deflected a Lao cross into her own net. In stoppage time, Laos sealed the match with a long-range shot to make it two.
(FT: Sri Lanka 0 – 2 Laos)
A Systemic Failure in Sri Lankan Women’s Football
This disastrous campaign raises grave concerns about the state of women’s football in Sri Lanka. The heavy defeats clearly reflect a massive gap between Sri Lanka and the rest of the region, forcing a reckoning for local sports authorities.
The absence of a structured domestic tournament in recent years, the reliance on open trials for player selection, and the failure to maintain a consistent national pool or training program have all contributed to the team’s poor preparation. Furthermore, a lack of access to modern technology and the failure to adopt advanced coaching methodologies are compounding the challenges.
It is imperative that Sri Lanka Football urgently drafts and executes a long-term plan focused on proper talent identification, grassroots development, and structural reform.
Beyond administration and infrastructure, issues of discipline and professionalism among players also demand attention. It’s no secret that some national players have drawn criticism for their conduct on social media—engaging in arguments with fans and crossing boundaries unbecoming of national athletes. Such behavior not only affects team morale but undermines the integrity of the sport.
