Superior United Arab Emirates U23 bagged an easy 4-0 win over Sri Lanka U23 in their Group D opener of the AFC U23 qualifier at the Kalba Stadium, UAE.
Mubarak Al Shamsi scored the first in the 15th minute and Yousif Saeed doubled on the 30 minute mark from the penalty spot. Ahemed Rabia and an own goal by Sunil Roshan completed the four goals for UAE U23.
It was always going to be a mountain to climb for Sajith Kumara led Sri Lanka U23 against the far more accomplished UAE side boasting of players who play in the AFC Champions League. They however started off well doing the basics but with Kumara getting a yellow early on UAE found a way through from a left flank cross and Al Shamsi scored.
In the 30 minute mark Sri Lanka gave a needless penalty and Saeed made no mistake to shoot pass Ruwan Prabath. Sri Lanka were happy to concede possession and ended the first half down 2-0.
In the 52nd minute UAE took advantage of Sri Lanka’s right wing and Ahmed Rabia added the third while Sunil Roshan gavean shocking own goal ten minutes later. Sri Lanka strengthened their defense there on in and did not concede further. Mubarak Al Shamsi was named the Man of the Match.
Sharing his thoughts exclusively with ThePapare.com Nikola Kavazovic was not pleased the way his side gave away the goals.
“I am angry because of way conceded goals. Penalty again, we scored own goal in clear situation and 2 goals after crosses from our right flank. Those situations we worked on at practices.”
“We let them have ball possession and oriented on defensive organization. In that segment we played well, if we conceded the fact that this group of players is together only 8 days. But About result, it is not shame to lose to one of best Asian teams.” He added.
Yemen is excellent team, they hammered Tajikistan, but only Tajik goalkeeper saved them from bigger defeat. Anyway, after 1st day, conclusion is that all 3 teams are much better than us, and every point, even every scored goal is going to be success for us. That is realistic picture of Sri Lankan football at the moment.” Kavazovic added about their next opponent Yemen whom they will meet on the 29th of March.
