Jaffna’s St. Mary’s SC and Java Lane storm into semis

 Super Sun goalkeeper Shalitha Thilakasiri makes a crucial save during their match against Java Lane SC

By Susil Premalal

St. Mary’s SC Jaffna and Java Lane SC Colombo booked their places in the semi-finals of the FFSL Champions Cup 2025–26 knockout football tournament following their quarter-final victories at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo last Sunday.

St. Mary’s SC defeated New Star SC Beruwala 2–1 while Java Lane SC edged past Super Sun SC Colombo in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 16–15 after the match ended 2–2 in regular time.

The clash between Java Lane and Super Sun turned out to be one of the most thrilling encounters in recent Sri Lankan football history. 

With both teams locked at 2–2 at the end of regulation time, the match was decided through penalties. In a tense shootout, both sides matched each other shot for shot until Java Lane sealed victory on the 16th attempt.

Java Lane, who finished as unbeaten runners-up in the recently concluded Champions League Super Eight round, were pushed to their limits by a spirited Super Sun side, whose performance drew praise from spectators.

In the other quarter-final, St. Mary’s SC led 1–0 at halftime and went on to secure a 2–1 win. John Lawani opened the scoring in the fourth minute while J. Jerinsan added the second in the 56th minute. Mohamed Thilham scored New Star’s only goal in the 49th minute.

The Champions Cup knockout tournament, organised by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), is being held at the Racecourse Ground, featuring eight teams in a knockout format.