Upcountry Lions crush champs Blue Star 9-1

Upcountry Lions forward Mohamed Ishan (No. 11, red) beats Blue Star goalkeeper Udayanga Perera to score during their FFSL Super League 2025/26 opening-week match

By Susil Premalal

Upcountry Lions SC produced a sensational performance to thrash defending champions Blue Star SC Kalutara 9-1 in the third match of the opening week of the FFSL Super League 2025/26 at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

The victory marked the first win of the tournament, organised by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), and handed the defending champions a shock defeat in their opening match of the season.

Upcountry Lions dominated from the outset and established a commanding 6-1 lead by half-time before adding three more goals after the break to complete an emphatic victory.

Forward Benjamin York stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, while Mohamed Ishan netted twice. The remaining goals came from Arepade Ombebe, M. Aabib (two goals) and Abdul Ankrah. Mohamed Shifan scored Blue Star›s only goal of the match.

Earlier in the opening week, New Youngs FC and Blue Eagles SC shared a 1-1 draw, while Defenders FC and Colombo FC played out a 0-0 stalemate.

The opening week’s final fixture between Renown SC and Ratnam SC is scheduled for 3.30 pm today.