Sri Lanka Triumphs Over Cambodia to Secure AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier Spot

Sri Lanka secured their place in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers after an intense penalty shootout victory over Cambodia. The second leg of the playoff ended in a 4-2 win for the Sri Lankan side, who triumphed after a dramatic 2-2 draw following extra time.

Goalkeeper Sujan Perera emerged as the star of the match, saving Cambodia’s first two penalty attempts, ensuring his team’s progression. The playoff’s first leg had ended in a goalless draw, setting the stage for a tense and thrilling second encounter.

Despite being the away team, Sri Lanka quickly dominated the game, pinning Cambodia deep into their half. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute when Oliver Kelaart found the back of the net with a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving Cambodian goalkeeper Vireak Dara with no chance.

Cambodia responded with increased intensity in the second half, equalizing just five minutes after the break through Nhean Sosidan. Both teams struggled to find a decisive goal, pushing the match into extra time.

In the 98th minute, Cambodia took the lead as Sos Suhana netted a goal, seemingly giving the home side control. However, Sri Lanka was not done. In stoppage time, Claudio Kammerknecht pounced on a rebounded shot off the crossbar, sending the game to penalties.

In the shootout, Perera’s brilliance between the posts secured Sri Lanka’s victory, sending them to the next round of qualifiers.

Sri Lanka now joins the final qualifying stage, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.