Football

Sri Lanka Women Face Formidable Nepal After Heavy Defeat to Uzbekistan | AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Published

4 months ago

July 1, 2025

Editor

Colombo, July 1 – The Sri Lanka Women’s Football Team is set to face a high-flying Nepal side on Wednesday, July 2 at 6:00 PM, in their second Group F fixture of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Both teams come into the match from very different ends of the performance spectrum, with Sri Lanka suffering a humiliating 10-0 defeat to Uzbekistan, while Nepal cruised past Laos with a dominant 9-0 victory.

This upcoming clash is not just a test of skill and strategy, but a reflection of each country’s football system, preparation, and investment in women’s football.

Nepal W 9-0 Laos W – Tactical Brilliance & Ruthless Execution

Nepal’s win over Laos was a showcase of tactical superiority, creative attacking play, and technical dominance.

Key Match Statistics:

Possession: 65% (Nepal) vs 35% (Laos)
Shots on Target: 15 (Nepal)
Total Shots: 24 (Nepal)
Shots Off Target: 9
xG (Expected Goals): 3.04 (Nepal)
Corners: 2
Fouls Committed: 8
Cards: 0

Nepal’s forward line was relentless, converting 15 of their 24 shots into direct goal-scoring opportunities. Despite having only two corners, they dominated through quick transitions, direct play, and high pressing. The clean disciplinary record and offside count of 3 reflect a well-coached and tactically aware squad.

Uzbekistan W 10-0 Sri Lanka W – Tactical Collapse & Lack of Structure

Sri Lanka’s opening match was a disaster from start to finish, exposing major gaps in fitness, coordination, and defensive strategy.

Key Match Statistics:

Possession: 30% (Sri Lanka)
Shots on Target: 0
Total Shots: 2 (0 on target)
Dangerous Attacks: 28 (Sri Lanka) vs 137 (Uzbekistan)
Yellow Cards: 1
Shots Faced: 14 on target (Uzbekistan)

The team failed to create a single meaningful chance throughout the match. With a dangerous attack rate nearly 5 times lower than Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka’s midfield was bypassed repeatedly. The defense looked overwhelmed, and the few offensive moves attempted were easily neutralized.

Sri Lanka vs Nepal – A Mismatch on Paper?

Comparing the two sides:

Key Metric Nepal (vs Laos) Sri Lanka (vs Uzbekistan)

Possession 65% 30%

Shots 24 2

Shots on Target 15 0

xG 3.04 Not Recorded

Fouls 8 1

Cards 0 1 Yellow

Nepal has shown they can control the game, create chances, and finish clinically. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is still searching for basic team chemistry, structure, and rhythm. Unless major tactical changes are made, Sri Lanka could be heading into another one-sided contest.

Off-Field Crisis Continues: FFSL and Sports Ministry Silent

Behind these results lies a bigger concern—institutional failure. The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has not conducted a single women’s tournament for years, and this national team was selected through a rushed trial process. With no league structure, development program, or competitive exposure, the players were thrown into an elite qualifier underprepared.

Even after the Sri Lanka U20 team faced a heavy defeat in the SAFF Championship, no structural reforms were announced. The Ministry of Sports continues to turn a blind eye to the collapse of football development, while officials use these international appearances to tick boxes rather than foster real progress.

Final Word

As Sri Lanka takes on Nepal, fans will be hoping for a response—not just on the scoreboard but in effort, organization, and pride. However, unless deep-rooted problems are addressed, these defeats will continue to expose the broken foundations of Sri Lankan women’s football

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Uzbekistan Dominate Sri Lanka 10-0 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

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Football

Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot

Published

8 hours ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.

Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.

Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.

Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.

With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.

School	M	W	L	GS	GA	GD	Points
Zahira College, Colombo	2	2	0	8	2	+6	6
Gampola Zahira College	1	1	0	3	1	+2	3
Darussalam College	2	1	1	5	5	0	3
Kingswood College	3	0	3	5	13	-8	0

Football

Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025

Published

1 day ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

The Group D stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship concluded with Hameed Al Husseinie College and Vaddakkachchi Central College sealing their spots in the quarterfinals after a fiercely contested round of matches.

Hameed Al Husseinie topped the group with an unbeaten record, securing 7 points from three matches, including two wins and one draw. Their dominance was evident with a commanding 9 goals scored while conceding only one — showcasing a solid attacking unit and disciplined defense.

Vaddakkachchi Central College earned the second qualification spot with 5 points, winning one and drawing two matches. Despite a lower goal tally of five, their consistency and composure under pressure helped them edge out Baduriya College, who finished third with four points.

Al-Falah College, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm throughout the group stage, finishing at the bottom without a win.

According to the tournament structure, Group D winner Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) will face Group A runner-up (A2) in the quarterfinals, while Vaddakkachchi Central (D2) will meet Group A winner, most probably Zahira College Colombo (A1) — a clash that promises thrilling football action.

As the competition intensifies, both qualifying teams from Group D will be looking to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds and make a strong statement in their quest for the prestigious Lifebuoy Ball Blaster Championship 2025 title.

🏅 Final Group D Standings

School	MP	W	L	D	GS	GA	GD	Points
Hameed Al Husseinie College	3	2	0	1	9	1	+8	7
Vaddakkachchi Central College	3	1	0	2	5	2	+3	5
Baduriya College	3	1	1	1	3	5	-2	4
Al-Falah College	3	0	3	0	1	10	-9	0

Football

Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 Kicks Off in Grand Style!

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2025

Editor

Colombo, October 9, 2025 – The wait is finally over! The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 1st Eleven Football Challenge Trophy 2025 officially kicked off on October 4th with a spectacular start, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s school football journey.

Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA), the event is proudly organized and broadcast by Sri Lankan Sports TV (SLSTV). The tournament showcases the best of young Sri Lankan football talent from across the island, with 16 leading Division I schools vying for national glory.

Tournament Overview

The competition features 16 top football schools divided into four groups (A–D), competing in 24 matches during the group stages.
Following the intense group battles, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the grand finale scheduled for November 9, 2025.

The opening day witnessed Gateway College and St. Joseph’s College, Colombo setting the tone with a thrilling curtain-raiser, while matches in Gampola, Eravur, Kalutara, and Jaffna are already electrifying local crowds with football fever.

Group Line-up

Group A

Zahira College, Colombo
Darrusalam College
Gampola Zahira College
Kingswood College, Kandy

Group B

Aligar Central College, Eravur
Kalutara Muslim Central College
Maristella College, Negombo
Royal College, Colombo

Group C

St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna
St. Benedict’s College, Colombo
Gateway College

Group D

Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo
Al Falah College, Negombo
Baduriya Central College, Mawanella
Waddakachchi Central College, Kilinochchi

Key Fixtures

Oct 4: Gateway College vs St. Joseph’s College (City League, 2.00 PM)
Oct 6: Zahira College vs Darrusalam College (City League, 4.30 PM)
Oct 9: St. Benedict’s College vs Gateway College (University Grounds)
Oct 12: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Benedict’s College (City League, 3.30 PM)
Oct 19: St. Patrick’s College vs St. Joseph’s College (Jaffna Durayappa, 4.00 PM)
Oct 25–26: Quarter Finals
Nov 2: Semi Finals
Nov 9: 3rd Place Match & Grand Final

Proud Partners Behind the Tournament

The success of the Ball Blaster 2025 is powered by the commitment and partnership of Sri Lanka’s leading brands:

🧴 Title Sponsor: Lifebuoy Bodywash – Promoting health, hygiene, and youth empowerment through sport.
🥤 Refreshing Partner: Elephant House Lemonade – Keeping players and fans refreshed throughout the intense tournament.
✈️ Travel Partner: Sky Market Travel – Supporting smooth team travel and logistics across the island.
👕 Clothing Partner: Aacty Wear – Outfitting players, officials, and referees with professional-grade sportswear.

A Celebration of Youth Football

“The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 is not just a tournament—it’s a celebration of youth, energy, and sporting excellence,” said the organizing team of Sri Lankan Sports TV. “With the support of our sponsors and partners, we are elevating the standard of school football in Sri Lanka and inspiring the next generation of athletes.”

Watch the Action Live

Fans can experience every thrilling moment of the Ball Blaster 2025 through Sri Lankan Sports TV’s exclusive coverage, including:
🎥 Live match broadcasts
📸 Highlights and interviews
📲 Digital updates on social media

👉 Visit Sri Lankan Sports TV Online for full fixtures, results, and exclusive stories.

The Future of School Football

The Lifebuoy Bodywash Ball Blaster 2025 has already captured the hearts of fans nationwide. With passion, teamwork, and the roar of young lions on full display, the journey toward the championship promises unforgettable footballing moments that define the future of the game in Sri Lanka.