FFSL Champions League 2025–26: Pelicans SC, Serandib SC clinch narrow wins

By Susil Premalal

Pelicans Sports Club of Kurunegala and Serandib Sports Club of Mawanella recorded hard-fought victories on Day One of the fifth week of the FFSL Champions League 2025–26, played at the Race Course Ground, Colombo, on Saturday.
The tournament, organised by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), features 14 top-tier clubs and will continue at the Race Course venue until the end of January 2026.
Both matches were closely contested until the final whistle, with the winning teams managing to score just one decisive goal against their respective opponents. Pelicans SC edged past Sri Lanka Police SC with a 1–0 victory, while Serandib SC secured a similar 1–0 win over Negombo Youth SC.
In the Pelicans versus Police encounter, the lone goal came in the 26th minute, scored by foreign midfielder Kojo Anokye. Despite several attempts in the second half, neither side was able to add to the scoreline. Pelicans goalkeeper Rangana Jayasekara produced an impressive performance between the posts and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
The clash between Serandib SC and Negombo Youth SC remained goalless for the entire regulation time. However, in dramatic fashion, Vijayakumar Abishan struck in injury time (90+2 minute) to seal the win for Serandib. His late heroics earned him the Man of the Match award.
The results added further intensity to the Champions League race as teams continue to battle for crucial points in the league phase.