Sri Lanka’s hopes of progressing in the AFC Qualifiers came to an end after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Turkmenistan in the second leg of the Final Round played in Ashgabat on Tuesday.
Having carried a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Sri Lanka entered the match with confidence. But the hosts quickly asserted themselves, dominating possession and creating early pressure.
Despite this, the Sri Lankan defence remained resolute, keeping the first half goalless.
Turkmenistan eventually broke through in the 52nd minute when captain Tageyev Elman calmly finished off a flowing move to level the tie on aggregate.
Just eight minutes later, Mekan Saparov pounced on a rebound inside the box to double the lead and shift the momentum firmly in favour of the home side.
Sri Lanka struck back quickly, with a Dillon De Silva effort deflecting off defender Annaguliyev Guychmyrat and into the net in the 65th minute.
The own goal gave the visitors hope, but despite a spirited finish, they were unable to find the equaliser.
With the result, Turkmenistan advanced with a 2-1 victory on the night and 2-2 on aggregate, progressing on away goals or tournament rules, as Sri Lanka’s campaign came to a valiant end.
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