Colombo FC has added eight new players to their squad for the upcoming AFC Cup Preliminary Qualifiers which starts on the 31st of January against Mohun Bagan AC.

The 8 new players include Charitha Rathnayake, Dilan Kaushalya, Ruwan Arunasiri, Nasiru Opayemi, E.B.Channa, Mohamed Issadeen, Chalana Chameera and Mohamed Rifnaz. However these additions are only for the AFC Cup and not as a permanent transfer.  

Colombo FC has focused more on strengthening their defence against the strong Mohun Bagan side with the inclusion of Charitha Rathnayake, Nasiru Opayemi and Chalana Chameera. They have included the Sri Lanka and Air Force goalkeeper Ruwan Arunasiri.

“We’ve focused more on our defense and tactics as we know Mohun Bagan is a very good side. These three I’ve targeted as the ones who will certainly boost our defense,” Mohamed Roomy, Head Coach of Colombo FC told exclusively to ThePapare.com.

Charitha Rathnayake, the former Crystal Palace man, has been without a club since Crystal Palace failed to make it to the Dialog Champions League Super 8’s. Though he has played at center back in the last couple of seasons, he will slot into his usual right back position where he has played much of his career.

The towering Nasiru Opayemi from Blue Star will have the responsibility of organizing the defence from the center back position while Navy SC’s Chalana Chameera will play at left back.

Colombo FC to meet Mohun Bagan in AFC Cup preliminary stage

Colombo FC is the reigning Dialog Champions League winner having won the championship in 2015 while Mohun Bagan is the Hero Federation Cup 2016 winner and 2016 I-League runners-up..

Apart from the defenders knowing that Colombo FC needs to be clinical in front of goal they’ve included veteran former Sri Lanka players E.B.Channa and Mohamed Issadeen while the youthful Dilan Kaushalya and Mohamed Rifnaz will need to be at their best.

“Issadeen and Channa even though they are 30 plus still play quality football especially Issadeen who has been scoring regularly. However unfortunately we still haven’t got the release from Army for Issadeen. Hopefully we’ll get it very soon. Rifnaz is a top player who will create and score goals for you,” a beaming Roomy added.

Dilan Kaushalya the former Saunders SC player, too has been without a club for this season and his inclusion will be a huge asset for the hosts. Renown’s Rifnaz is a game change alongside former school mate and Colombo FC star Zarwan Johar.

Channa and Issadeen will need to be at their lethal best in front of the goal and with Channa having played in India in his heyday, Colombo FC will depend on his experience.    

The 1st leg of the AFC Cup Preliminary Qualifier between Colombo FC and Mohun Bagan AC will be LIVE streamed on ThePapare.com

WATCH LIVE: COLOMBO FC V MOHAN BAGAN AC | AFC CUP