Sri Lanka U19 were defeated 1-0 by Thailand U19 in their final group clash at the 43rd Asian Schools Football U19 Boys Championship, in China.
Thailand were one of the strong teams in the group and after some good performances by Sri Lanka, they played well in a tight defensive game but were unlucky to lose the match.
Akhil Fernando started in midfield for the first time this tournament as the Sri Lanka U19 played a controlled match as the first half ended 0-0. Thailand scored early in the second half and even though Sri Lanka tried to get back a goal Thailand defended resolutely.
Sri Lanka U19 are likely to go into the knockout stage.
