Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuching: Sri Lanka signed off from the AFC Solidarity Cup Malaysia 2016 on Wednesday evening with a share of the points following a 1-1 draw with Group B winners Macau at Negeri Stadium.
Kavindu Ishan found the back of the net for the Sri Lankans – who lost their opening two games against Laos and Mongolia – after just five minutes, only for substitute Choi Weng Hou to level the scores for an understrength Macau with just five minutes remaining.
Macau made wholesale changes from their previous game in the tournament, with Lee Keng Pan, Kam Chi Hou, Kou Ut Cheong, Cheong Hoi San, Sio Ka Un, Lei Kam Hong and goalkeeper Lo Weng Hou coming into the team while Sri Lanka called up Chalana Chameera and Sunil Roshan.
The Sri Lankans had the lion’s share of possession in the first half and it only took five minutes for them to score just their second goal of the tournament when Ishan coolly tapped into goal after receiving a cross from Mohamed Cassim.
Three minutes later, Sri Lanka went close to a second but the quick reaction of Macau goalkeeper Lo saw him intercept a pass from Johar Zarwan from the right looking for Edirisuriya.
Duddley Steinwell’s side wasted another chance on 16 minutes as a corner from the right by Zarwan found Edirisuriya waiting at the penalty spot but he headed high above the bar.
Zarwan then dribbled past two defenders and again played provider to an open Ishan but he rushed from outside the box and fired a shot right into the arms of Lo as the game went into the break.
It was Macau who had the first chance after the re-start as Cheong launched his shot from the penalty box arc, only for it to miss the bar by a whisker.
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Sri Lanka again threatened as a free kick from the left found Zarwan but his shot was punched away by keeper Lo, who again saved from Edirisuriya as he attempted to score from the rebound.
Then it was Sri Lanka keeper-captain Perera who was tested as his diving save stopped a sweeping pass from substitute Dananju Madushan on the edge of the area meant for Ishan.
The equaliser for Macau eventually came on 85 minutes as substitute Leong Ka Hang drew Perera out of his post and his pass connected with fellow replacement Choi, who tapped in from inside the six-yard box as both sides were forced to share the spoils.
Photo: Lagardère Sports