Sri Lanka target Asian Cup 2032, not SAFF title: Coach

Sri Lanka head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi has set his sights on qualifying for the 2032 AFC Asian Cup, insisting that winning the SAFF Championship is not his team's primary objective.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Al Mutairi said Sri Lanka were using the regional tournament as part of a longer-term development plan.

“My target is to qualify for the first time in history for the Asia Cup 2032. This is my programme with the Sri Lanka Federation. My contract for the next four years is only to focus on Asia Cup 2032,” he said.

Sri Lanka have prepared for the championship over the past year, playing friendlies against Bhutan, Seychelles and Mauritius. However, the coach revealed that two players suffered ACL injuries on the eve of the tournament.

Al Mutairi also named Bangladesh as the favourites, citing home advantage, passionate supporters and the presence of Hamza Choudhury.

“Bangladesh is the favourite. They have Hamza Choudhury,” he said, while praising young midfielder Farhaan Ali Wahid, whom he tipped to become one of South Asia's best players.

Sri Lanka captain Sujan Perera, who plays domestic football in Bangladesh, believes his experience in the country could offer a slight advantage.

The coach also confirmed that around 18 to 19 players of Sri Lankan origin are part of the squad, regardless of where they play their football.