A basic goalkeeping error by Sujan Perera deprived Sri Lanka of certain victory against Bhutan at the 15th SAFF Football Tournament played at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh under lights yesterday, and the match ended in a 2-all draw after Sri Lanka had led 2-1 at halftime.
With his vast experience as a goalkeeper, Sujan saved a penalty kick in the second half, but failed to clear two kicks at goal at a crucial stage of the game as he opted to tap the ball into play instead of collecting the ball, and the opponents gleefully pounced on the ball to score. A win here would have secured Sri Lanka a berth in the semi-final on the 14th since Bhutan had already lost to Bangladesh 1-0 a few days back.
Sri Lanka dominated proceedings until the 33rd minute, when Bhutan broke the deadlock following a defensive lapse that gifted them the opening goal. However, the Lankan Lions responded in spirited fashion, with Oliver Källard stealing the limelight by unleashing a spectacular equaliser that left the Bhutanese goalkeeper with no chance of making a save.
Just before the half-time whistle, Sri Lanka surged ahead through a perfectly timed header by striker Wasim Razik, who brilliantly converted a cross delivered by Oliver Källard. The Bhutanese goalkeeper was once again left helpless as the ball found the back of the net, giving Sri Lanka a deserved 2-1 lead at the break.
Bhutan equalised midway through the second half and, buoyed by the equaliser, put added pressure on the Lions. However, Lankan players rose to the occasion and their defence was rock solid, but Lady Luck deserted them and they failed to score even in five minutes of extra time.
In the earlier game, Pakistan defeated Maldives 3-0.