Sri Lanka coach Sampath Perera. Photo by: AFC / Stanley Chou

DHAKA: Reaching the final of the AFC Challenge Cup is a big achievement for Sri Lanka, who have not even being the top team in the neighbourhood since winning the SAARC Gold Cup back in 1995.

Sri Lanka failed to make it to the finals of any South Asian regional tournaments in the last decade and the team were disbanded after losing all three group matches in the SAFF Championship in Pakistan last December.

The football governing body in the country, however, had faith in coach Sampath Perera who has been trying to rebuild a young side.

Perera, who has been with the side for three years, said he is satisfied after taking the team to the final of such a big tournament, especially after their SAFF debacle only four months earlier

"We have prepared for 40 days for this tournament but didn't play any friendlies. It is nice to see the young boys gelling with the seniors," Perera told www.the-afc.com on the eve of the AFC Challenge Cup final against Tajikistan.

"We have retained only 11 players from the SAFF squad. So it's a totally different team with a lot of young guys. Senior players like captain Dudley, Izzadeen, Channa, Jayasuriya and specially goalkeeper Thilakartne, have been inspirational for the young ones.

"Now I have 20 players of equal level and the changes have been working."

Sri Lanka withdrew from the 2007 Asian Cup qualifiers and Perera said they did not have enough time to prepare a new side for the Asian Cup.

"After the SAFF Championship, there was a very short period. But I see a bright future for us because the authority normally gives all facilities to the football team," said Perera.

"Also, with the South Asian Games coming to Sri Lanka this year, this tournament is giving exposure to the new boys, most of whom are under-23 players. Now I have time to prepare the team."

Sri Lanka captain Dudley Steinwall, who has been playing for the national team for 14 years, is also hopeful about the islanders' future.

"We made mistakes and had many shortcomings in recent past but now we are in a good shape to look forward. Winning this tournament would be a big boost for the game in the country," said the 31-year-old defender.