FFSL Champions League 2025–26 Negombo Youth FC record first win

Negombo Youth FC’s Mohamed Rifkhan (L) advances to score as SLTB’s Angelow Manuel attempts to block the effort

By Susil Premalal

Negombo Youth Football Club secured their first victory of the FFSL Champions League 2025–26 with a 3–1 win over Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) in a Group ‘A’ match played yesterday at the Race Course Ground, Colombo.

The scores read 1–1 at halftime, but Negombo Youth took firm control in the second half to seal the win. Sulakshana Paris opened the scoring in the 14th minute, while Mohomad Akram (55th minute) and Mohamed Rifkhan (63rd minute) added two more goals to secure the victory. Sulakshana Paris was named Best Player of the Match for his influential performance.

SLTB’s only goal came in the 9th minute through team captain Shanmugaraja Sanjew, marking their first and only goal of the tournament so far. After completing six matches, SLTB remain the only team without a win, having conceded 30 goals while scoring just one.

This match also marked a milestone for Negombo Youth FC, who had previously played five matches without a victory, recording only one draw prior to this encounter.

In another Group ‘B’ fixture played yesterday, Pelicans Sports Club Kurunegala and Super Sun Sports Club Beruwala played out a goalless draw. Both teams pushed hard for a late winner, but strong defensive performances and excellent goalkeeping at both ends ensured the match ended without a goal.

The FFSL Champions League, organized by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), features 14 top-division teams and is being held at the Race Course Ground, Colombo.

Action from the Pelicans SC vs Super Sun SC match