Tajikistan and Sri Lanka make an attempt to win their first major trophy in Asia when they lock horns in the final of the inaugural AFC Challenge Cup on Sunday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Sri Lankan footballers warm up before a practice session
at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The curtain will be drawn on the 16-team meet of the emerging nations of the continent with teams from two regions with contrasting styles pitted against each other for ultimate glory.

Tajikistan have not won any regional title in Central Asia but for underdogs Sri Lanka, it would be the first chance to triumph at continental level after winning the SAARC Gold Cup, the South Asian regional tournament, in 1995 at home.

Favourites Tajikistan, a team of European mould, have lost one match in the group stage but the opponents are still unbeaten.

Sri Lanka coach Sampath Perera is convinced his boys will show the good work in the final. "I know it's difficult because they are a very strong team. They have also beaten teams like Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh comfortably, and mind it they beat the hosts 6-1," said Perea.

"We have come here as the best team from Chittagong and let's see what happens," said the 36-year-old Sri Lankan who was a bit worried about change of conditions.

"Having played all our games in Chittagong, It could be a disadvantage to play the final in Dhaka. It's a new ground and the weather is different here. The opposition is already familiar to these but for us, it could take some time.

"So our strategy would not be the same as in Chittagong," added Perera, whose side eliminated Nepal 5-3 in the tiebreaker after an absorbing 1-1 draw in the semifinal.

Sharif Nazarov's Tajikistan, who scored 14 goals in five games, have conceded just two goals and the 60-year-old coach will rely on his full firepower.

Apart from Yusuf Rabiev, the top scorer for the Central Asians with four goals including a brace against Kyrgyzstan in their 2-0 semifinal victory, the entire midfield and the striking zone have contributed to the team success by scoring regularly.

"I will retain the same side that started against Kyrgyzstan but first, my congratulations to Sri Lanka for reaching the final. I have seen them play in the semifinal against Nepal and I have certain plans," said Nazarov.

"We have qualified for the final stage by stage and this gives our side the confidence. But we are not complacent and want to try playing good and win the final because we have prepared well. But this is football and anything can happen. We are going to come hard, that is for sure," said the veteran.