With the solid team performances Sri Lanka team managed to enter semi-finals and achieved the 05th place at “US ACLI Football World Cup” held in Milan from 10th - 11th June 2017. ACLI (US ACLI) operates as a non-profit Sports Association in Italy promoting sports, social and recreational activities among communities.
The event was organized by the Comune di Milano and US ACLI as a joint venture and the respective country participation was made through Milan based foreign Consulates. Eighteen teams representing countries across the globe participated at the tournament. Sri Lanka team consisted of seasoned players of football residing in Milan, Verona, Rome, Florence and Modena. Mr. M. Nicholas Anthony Mahinda Fernando ex-national player and Mr. M. Maxie Perera lend their expertise as coacher and Asst. Coacher for the wining team. Consul General Pradeepa Saram and Consulate staff were present on both days.
On the first day Sri Lanka won against Ukraine (2-1) Italy (1-0) and Egypt (1-0). The second day SL team won against Eritrea (2-1) and El- Salvador (4-3) and lost to Morocco (1-2). Despite the final defeat, Sri Lanka won the series overall.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka co-ordinated country participation at the event.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Milan, Italy
