Matara City grab first win in Sri Lanka Champions League New Star takes action to new heights

By Susil Premalal

Emerging football powerhouse New Star Sports Club of Panadura continued their impressive run in the FFSL Champions League 2025–26, recording their fourth consecutive unbeaten victory at the end of the fifth week of competition.

The tournament, organised by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) with the participation of 14 top-tier clubs, saw New Star produce a dominant performance on Sunday by thrashing Crystal Palace SC of Gampola 6–0.

Representing Group ‘A’, New Star now sit comfortably at the top of the standings with 12 points, having won all four matches played so far. The encounter against Crystal Palace was a one-sided affair, with New Star controlling possession and tempo throughout.

New Star went into halftime with a 1–0 lead, before turning on the heat in the second half. Five goals were scored after the interval, including an own goal by Crystal Palace player Muhammad Farverz in the 47th minute. 

The remaining goals were netted by Mohamed Atheeif (second minute), Affro Togneble (57th and 63rd minutes), Mohamed Thilham (68th minute, penalty), and Mohamed Fazal (77th minute).

Affro Togneble’s outstanding display earned him the Man of the Match award.

Meanwhile, in a Group ‘B’ encounter, defending champions Matara City Sports Club secured their first win of the tournament, edging past Super Sun Sports Club of Beruwala with a 2–1 victory.

Super Sun SC took the lead in the 26th minute through Ismaila Abumere, ending the first half ahead 1–0. However, Matara City responded strongly in the second half, adopting a more aggressive attacking approach. Their pressure paid off as Afful Yusuf equalised in the 59th minute, before Andrews Nana struck the winning goal in the 68th minute, sealing a crucial comeback victory.

The latest results further intensified competition in both groups as teams battle for supremacy in Sri Lanka’s premier club football tournament.