Sri Lanka hosted Turkmenistan in their all-important AFC Asian Cup Qualifier in Group D at the Racecourse International Stadium, where the hosts secured a historic 1–0 victory, marking the nation’s first-ever victory over the Central Asian side.
The hosts began the game with intent, creating multiple chances in the opening half and constantly testing the Turkmen defence. Waseem Razeek came agonisingly close when his strike rattled the woodwork, while Adhavan Rajamohan’s creativity in the final third kept the visitors under pressure throughout the first 45 minutes.
Carrying the same momentum into the second half, Sri Lanka continued to push forward, though Turkmenistan too began to find their rhythm after the break. The visitors nearly took the lead, but a brilliant goal-line clearance from centre-half Jason Thayaparan denied them a certain goal, a moment that proved crucial in the contest.
Sri Lanka’s persistence paid off when Leon Perera latched onto a fine assist from Adhavan Rajamohan to slot home the opener, breaking the deadlock and sending the home crowd into raptures. Minutes later, Thayaparan once again came to Sri Lanka’s rescue with a second heroic clearance on the line, ensuring the hosts held onto their slender advantage.
His defensive brilliance earned Jason Thayaparan the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable night for both him and the team.
With this historic victory, Sri Lanka now looks ahead to their away fixture against Turkmenistan on October 14th at the Arkadag Stadium, hoping to carry forward their newfound momentum in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027.
Stay tuned with Sri Lanka’s No. 1 sports channel ThePapare, to catch the latest news on Sri Lanka’s away visit to Turkmenistan.
