Sri Lanka defeats Turkmenistan for the first time
October 9, 2025 06:50 pm
Sri Lanka’s football team beat a higher-ranked Turkmenistan at Colombo Racecourse in the AFC Asian Cup qualification on Thursday.
For the first time in the country’s footballing history, Sri Lanka defeated Turkmenistan 1-0 to take the win in this Asian Cup qualifier with a great goal.
The visiting team was unable to equalize, giving Sri Lanka the win and three points in this Asian Cup qualifier.
Sri Lanka opened their AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Thailand in Bangkok, but returned to winning ways on matchday two. They defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 at home to claim their first full points.
Sri Lanka were expected to make the most of their home advantage to overcome Turkmenistan. Prior to this, Sri Lanka had not beaten Turkmenistan in any competition, with their previous best result being a draw. Turkmenistan won 2-0 in their last visit to Sri Lanka.
Only the top finisher in the group will earn a direct qualification to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
