Sri Lanka’s hopes of advancing to the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 (Saudi Arabia qualifiers) were dashed after a 4-0 defeat against a strong Thailand side, currently ranked 96th in the FIFA World Rankings. The match took place yesterday at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo.
This marked the ninth time that Thailand, one of Asia’s most formidable football teams, has defeated Sri Lanka.
Despite having one remaining second-leg match against Chinese Taipei on March 31, 2026, Sri Lanka’s position in the Group ‘D’ points table meant they are already eliminated from the tournament as the lowest-ranked team in South Asia.
Sri Lanka secured two wins but also suffered two defeats, finishing third in Group ‘D’.
The team was further weakened as captain and regular goalkeeper Sujan Perera was absent due to illness. Kavisha Fernando took over goalkeeping duties, but his lack of experience meant he could not prevent any of Thailand’s four goals.
Thailand took the lead early, with Thanawat Suengchitthwon scoring in the seventh minute. Sri Lanka had two opportunities to score but failed to convert them. Substitute Soonsup Bell added Thailand’s second goal in the 64th minute, followed by Pansa Hemviboon scoring the third in the 76th minute. Bell completed his brace with the fourth goal in the 90th minute, sealing the 4-0 victory.
In another Group ‘D’ match yesterday, Turkmenistan defeated Chinese Taipei. With this, Thailand and Turkmenistan remain undefeated, leading the group with four wins each.
The remaining second-leg matches, Turkmenistan vs. Thailand and Sri Lanka vs. Chinese Taipei, are scheduled for March 31, 2026. Chinese Taipei is currently the only team without a victory in the group.
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