The final will not only be a conflict of contrasting styles but also be the first chance for both sides to triumph at continental level as they had never reached a final of a tournament of such magnitude.

Tajikistan, third-ranked in the competition and now favourites after exit of top seeds India and Palestine, have yet to win any trophy in their Central Asia neighbourhood after joining the Asian Football Confederation since the disbandment of the Soviet Union.

Underdogs Sri Lanka, however, tasted success at a smaller scale when they won the SAARC Gold Cup, the South Asian regional tournament, in 1995 at home.

Tajikistan, who grew up learning the tricks in European style, have lost one match -- to Kyrgyzstan where the result had no effect on their qualification to the knockout phase -- in the group stage but their 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, whose side played all their matches in Chittagong.

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

"Having played all our games in the port city, 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.

"We have included nine new players after losing all matches in the SAFF Championship in Pakistan last December. We now have a totally different team and the changes have been working. Senior players like captain Dudley, Izzadeen, Channa, Jayasuriya and specially goalkeeper Thilakartne, have been inspirational for the young ones," he added.

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.

Odil Irgashev, a contender for the 'most valuable player' award, will be a constant threat with his crosses and speedy runs down the right with Rabimov and Malkmudov providing the support for striking duo Muhidinov and Hakimov.

"I will retain the same side that started against Bangladesh and 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.

Apart from the Most Valuable Player award, the AFC will give offer more awards, the Golden Boot for the highest scorer and the Fair Play award for the best disciplined team.

Palestine striker Fahed Attal leads the race for the Golden Boot and Tajikistan midfielder Rabiev, who still has a slim chance to overtake eight-goal Attal, is behind with four goals. Nepal are currently leading the pack for the Fair Play award but the everything will be finalised after the final.