7 Oct. 2021 (Male’) – Sri Lanka put up an all round performance to hold India to a goal less draw on MD3 of the SAFF Championship, in Male, Maldives.

Sri Lanka, who had lost both their previous outing to Bangladesh and Nepal, are the lowest ranked team (205) among the five participating teams in the championship, but their improved showing against India, ranked 107 in the FIFA ranking, saw them bag a point.

The celebration by the player and fans at the final whistle was ecstatic as Sri Lanka relished the result with Football Federation of Sri Lanka joining from the parapet.

India, the most successful team in the history of the championship with seven titles, once again disappointed their fans as they failed to register a win in the ongoing championship. Their first match had also ended in a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh.

Commenting on the match, India coach Igor Stimac said: ” It was obvious from the very first minute that Sri Lanka was more about passing time than scoring. Sometimes easy games become difficult and difficult games become easier. Right now we need to focus on the match between Nepal and Maldives.”

Likewise, Sri Lanka coach Amir Alegic opined: ” In football not the strongest, not the fittest, but the smartest wins.”