Sri Lanka football head coach Abdulla Almutairi said the national team’s rise from 205th to 187th in the FIFA rankings over the past two years is evidence of measurable progress, but urged supporters to remain patient following the 4-1 win over Bhutan in a Bangkok friendly on Sunday.
Almutairi cited stronger performances against higher-ranked opponents, increased professionalism in preparation and team structure, and growing belief within the squad that Sri Lanka can compete at a higher level in Asian football as the markers of the improvement.
“Nothing extraordinary has happened yet, and there is still a long journey ahead. The foundations have been built, but the work is far from finished,” Almutairi said.
The 18-place lift coincides with a generational turnover that has brought through forwards including Australia-based Nishan Velupillay into the conversation around the squad. Almutairi appealed to supporters to keep backing the side through what he framed as a multi-year rebuild.
“Let us continue to support Sri Lanka football with patience, unity and belief. Progress is visible, but the best is still to come,” he added.
Sri Lanka remain in the lower tier of the FIFA table but the rise narrows the gap with Asian Football Confederation rivals chasing 2030 qualifying competition.
Source: Newswire
