Yu Yao-hsing on Tuesday nabbed Taiwan’s only goal in the final round of qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, as they fell 3-1 to Sri Lanka at Taipei Municipal Stadium.
Early goals from Sri Lanka in the first half left Taiwan struggling to get on the board, and Christopher Tiao’s own goal at 53 minutes sealed the team’s fate in the third round of qualifiers.
While acknowledging that the defeat, Taiwan’s sixth in Group D, was disappointing, head coach Matt Ross said he saw reasons to stay positive about the team’s development.
Photo: Chen Yi-kuan, Taipei Times
“There were lots of positive signs in terms of the way we played, and in the way we responded to being 3-0 down, and also very positive in the fact that we had two or three debutants and a few players coming in that only had their second or third periods with the national team,” said the Australian, who took over the team in November last year.
“So, disappointing to lose 3-1 at home in front of our fans, but I see green shoots of growth and I see a positive style of football that we’re trying to play, and I am very encouraged by the second half,” he told reporters after the match.
Rahul Suresh grabbed Sri Lanka’s first goal in the 18th minute, when a Dillon Da Silva cross into the box reached the head of teammate Garrett Kelly, who set up Suresh’s volley that beat goalkeeper Huang Chiu-lin.
Photo: Chen Yi-kuan, Taipei Times
Niloshan Senthurvasan sealed the first-half lead eight minutes later, after Da Silva evaded Taiwanese defenders to cut the ball back to Suresh, who flicked it to the midfielder to drive into the bottom corner of the net.
An unfortunate own-goal after halftime added pressure on Taiwan.
Niloshan made a run down the left flank, sending a cross into the box, which defender Tiao attempted to clear, but instead redirected the ball past Huang into roof of the net.
Taiwan fans cheer during their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka in Taipei on Tuesday.
Tiao redeemed himself two minutes later, when the New Jersey-born leftback surged past Anujan Rajendram to send a cross to Yu, who headed it in to give Taiwan a flicker of hope.
At just before the hour mark, substitute forward Oliver James and Huang collided, with their heads hitting each other. Both fell to the ground, and had to receive medical treatment. Although a stretcher was brought out, Huang and James both walked off the pitch on their own.
Sri Lanka finished third in the group with three wins, but failed to qualify, behind Thailand’s five victories and Turkmenistan’s four.
Ross said they are lining up friendlies to help the team rebuild, calling Tuesday’s match an important stepping stone in that process, as it helped players gain much-needed international experience.
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