Saunders, St. Mary’s and New Star open Super Eight with victories

A tense moment from the Saunders SC vs Sri Lanka Police SC encounter

By Susil Premalal
The FFSL Champions League Football 2025–26 Super Eight Round got underway last weekend (January 30 and 31) at the Race Course Ground, Colombo, with Saunders SC Colombo, St. Mary’s SC Jaffna and New Star SC Panadura recording opening-week victories.
In the other Super Eight fixture, Pelicans SC Kurunegala and Java Lane SC Colombo played out a 1–1 draw. At the end of the first week, Saunders, St. Mary’s and New Star each have three points, while Pelicans and Java Lane have one point apiece.
The Super Eight round, featuring eight teams, will continue every Friday and Saturday at the Race Course Ground until March 29.
Saunders SC produced a strong second-half performance to defeat Sri Lanka Police SC 4–1. Although the teams were level at 1–1 at halftime, Saunders added three more goals after the break. Roger Philippe (37’), Abdul Aziz (47’), Clauvice Franck (81’) and Muhammadh Shahidh (89’) scored for Saunders, while Chalanka Nishantha (2’) netted the lone goal for Police. Abdul Aziz was named Man of the Match.
St. Mary’s SC Jaffna edged Serandib FC Mawanella 2–1 in a closely contested encounter. After a scoreless first half, Frimpong Yaw (50’) gave Serandib the lead before John Lawans (52’) equalised for St. Mary’s. The winner came from M. Premkumar (72’), who was later selected as Man of the Match.
New Star SC Panadura secured a 2–1 win over Solid SC Anuradhapura after a goalless first half. Mohamed Shakir (48’) and Mohamed Fazal (90+1’) scored for New Star, while Henry Chibueze (63’) replied for Solid. Mohammed Haslan of New Star received the Best Player award.
In the opening Super Eight match, Java Lane SC led through Andrew Dewaas (16’), but Pelicans SC fought back in the second half with an equaliser from Seluanayagam Saduryan (62’). Pelicans also missed three clear chances in the first half. Saduryan was named Man of the Match.