3 Colombo FC foreigners denied visa to India for AFC Cup game vs MB

The task of overcoming a 2-1 deficit from the fast leg just got much tougher for Colombo fc as Afis Olayemi, Nasiru Opayemi and Momas Yapo, 3 Nigerian players in their squad, were denied visas to come play the club's second leg game against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata tomorrow. 

This came across to the Sri Lankan side as a huge blow; the trio were instrumental in putting up a good performance as they played key roles in midfield, defense and attack in their home match.

mbo FC Saif Yusoof said,

“We got to know about this the day before we were scheduled to leave... I believe the High Commission has laws denying entry to Africans, especially Nigerians, from Sri Lanka."

The team's head coach Mohamed Roomy also voiced similar concerns,

"It has been really hard as I have been forced to put together a new plan.The three players play a vital role in defense, midfield and attack. Now I will have to replace them in a short period of time. However I have players who have played in those roles and will fit in nicely... we are hopeful of getting visa for Momas Yapo, who is from Ivory Coast, and if we get it he will join the team.” 

Colombo will face the hosts Mohun Bagan, who would enjoy the incidental advantage due to this situation, at the Rabindra Sarobar stadium tomorrow. 

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