Goalkeeper Sujan Perera was the hero, saving two penalties in the shootout, as Sri Lanka edged past Cambodia 4-2 (FT 2-2) in the second leg of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027 at Phnom Penh, Stadium, in a game which went to the wire on Tuesday.
Following a 2-2 draw after extra time, Sujan Perera, who had faced challenges earlier in the match, became Sri Lanka’s saviour at a critical moment, executing two vital penalty saves that allowed his team to secure a 4-2 win in the shootout.
Jack Hingert, Samuel Durrant, Oliver James, and Leon Perera successfully converted their penalties for Sri Lanka.
This victory propelled Sri Lanka into the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027.
After the first leg played in Colombo ended in a goalless draw, both teams came out all guns blazing in the second leg to find the important win in order to advance to the next round of the tournament.
The match commenced with great enthusiasm from both sets of fans. Sri Lanka quickly asserted control over the ball and nearly took an early lead when Waseem Razeek came close to scoring, only to be thwarted by the Cambodian goalkeeper.
Both teams, featuring top-tier players, were evenly matched, resulting in a dynamic exchange of play throughout the field.
Sri Lanka created numerous opportunities in the initial stages to secure an advantage, yet their inability to convert these chances proved detrimental.
Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s persistence bore fruit when Oliver Kelaart capitalized on a defensive error from Cambodia, netting the crucial goal in the 37th minute.
The seasoned striker’s contribution set Sri Lanka on a favorable path, as they maintained a disciplined performance while effectively utilizing their opportunities.
After the goal, Sri Lanka was seen playing defensively, where they were quite content to fend off all attacks from Cambodia to maintain their one goal lead as the first half ended.
In the second half, Cambodia emerged with renewed determination, posing a significant threat to seize control of the match. Their efforts culminated in the 50th minute when striker Sosida Nhean scored a long-range equalizer, stunning the Sri Lankan side. This equalizer served as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka, who appeared visibly rattled and vulnerable defensively as Cambodia continued to press the Golden Army.
With just 15 minutes remaining, both teams squandered opportunities, leading to a lull in the game where neither side could create meaningful chances. Sri Lanka made a concerted effort in the final 10 minutes to secure a winning goal, but their attempts were thwarted by a resolute Cambodian defense, resulting in a 1-1 draw as the match proceeded to extra time.
During extra time, Sri Lanka’s coach implemented tactical adjustments, introducing fresh players in hopes of gaining an advantage. This strategy nearly bore fruit when Sri Lanka took the lead, as their striker skillfully maneuvered past several defenders, only to ultimately misfire.
However, it was Cambodia that seized the advantage when Soknet Hav scored the pivotal goal in the 98th minute, capitalizing on a rebound that fell directly to him, which he dispatched into the net. Just two minutes later, Cambodia ignited their supporters once more with a stunning overhead kick from their striker, only for the linesman to rule the goal offside, silencing the packed stadium.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka remained vigilant in their pursuit of an equalizer through counterattacks, and they found success in the 120+3 minute. A well-placed cross located Claudio Mathias inside the penalty area, who calmly slotted the ball into the net, thereby sending the match to a penalty shootout.
