Sri Lanka’s U-17 national football team continues its AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign in Group A, delivering a mix of promising moments and clear tactical challenges. After three matches, Sri Lanka sits on three points with one win and two defeats, and the remaining fixtures against China PR and Timor-Leste will determine their final group standings.

Strong Start: Sri Lanka Defeat Brunei 4–0

Sri Lanka opened the qualifiers with an impressive 4–0 victory over Brunei Darussalam. The team showcased fast transitional play, effective pressing in the attacking third, and confident finishing. Their use of wide areas and quick movement off the ball allowed Sri Lanka to control the pace of the match. The defensive unit had limited pressure but remained well-organised. This result highlighted Sri Lanka’s ability to dominate against opponents of similar ranking.

Competitive but Costly Defeat: Bahrain 2–1 Sri Lanka

Against Bahrain, Sri Lanka produced a competitive performance but were undone by defensive inconsistencies. Bahrain repeatedly exploited the spaces between fullbacks and centre-backs, taking advantage of gaps during transitions. Sri Lanka struggled to track midfield runners, allowing Bahrain to create sustained pressure. Despite these issues, Sri Lanka produced quality attacking sequences, including a well-worked equaliser. Goalkeeper Mohamed Kathafi delivered several key saves to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. This match illustrated both the team’s potential and the areas requiring structural improvement.

Bangladesh Expose Sri Lanka’s Structural Weaknesses

Bangladesh outplayed Sri Lanka in a 5–0 defeat, using a high-pressing system that Sri Lanka struggled to manage. The defensive line dropped too deep, creating large spaces in midfield that Bangladesh exploited. Sri Lanka were unable to build out from the back or maintain possession under pressure. Fatigue and gaps between lines contributed to the widening scoreline in the second half. This performance underscored the need for stronger defensive compactness, improved press resistance, physical conditioning, and better management of transitions.

Overall Assessment

Sri Lanka’s strengths lie in quick counter-attacks, energetic wing play, and reliable goalkeeping. However, weaknesses remain evident in defensive organisation, ball retention under pressure, central creativity, and physical match endurance. The campaign continues to provide critical experience for long-term youth development.

Upcoming Match Analysis

Sri Lanka vs China PR

China PR enters the fourth match with exceptional form, scoring 30 goals and conceding none. Their physicality, structured build-up, and high press are expected to challenge Sri Lanka heavily. Based on form and tactical profiles, China are strong favourites to secure a large-margin victory.

Sri Lanka vs Timor-Leste

Sri Lanka’s final fixture against Timor-Leste offers a favourable opportunity. Timor-Leste have conceded heavily in all matches and have yet to score or collect a point. Sri Lanka will likely control transitions and attacking phases, making this a realistic chance to secure a second win in the group.

Projected Final Group A Standings Based on Current Form

A win against Timor-Leste would confirm Sri Lanka’s place in the top four and provide a positive conclusion to their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifying campaign.

Negombo, November 26–27, 2025 — The Sri Lanka Schools Football Association (SLSFA) has officially commenced the Under-16 Division II National Football Championship 2025, bringing together schools from all corners of the island for two days of intense competition in Negombo.

A total of 21 schools are grouped into seven groups (A–G), with matches taking place across four venues:

• St. Mary’s College Ground
• Kurana Mejaraaj Ground
• Don Bosco Ground
• Katunayaka 18 Kanuwa Ground

The tournament will be played in a first-round group stage, followed by a 2nd round knockout stage, leading to the crowning of the Division II champions.

Group Allocations & Schools (First Round)

Group A – St. Mary’s College Ground

• Aligar National School – Batticaloa
• Abdul Majeed – Kinniya
• Stafford International School – Colombo

Group B – St. Mary’s College Ground

• Zahira College – Mawanella
• Vidyialoka College – Galle
• Gateway College – Kandy

Group C – Kurana Mejaraaj Ground

• St. Mary’s College – Chilaw
• Zahira College – Matale
• Gateway College – Colombo

Group D – Don Bosco Ground

• Maris Stella College – Negombo
• Maliyadeva Model School – Kurunegala
• Al Minhaj National School – Nuwara Eliya

Group E – Don Bosco Ground

• Jailani National School – Balangoda
• Arafa National School – Weligama
• Al-Falal College – Negombo

Group F – Kurana Mejaraaj Ground

• Uva College – Badulla
• Malhara Suliya MV – Galle
• Thopawewa National School – Polonnaruwa

Group G – Katunayake 18 Kanuwa Ground

• Jinaraja Boys’ College – Gampola
• Zahira College – Puttalam
• Al Fahiriya – Panadura

Day 1 Match Schedule – 26 November 2025

St. Mary’s College Ground (Groups A & B)

• 8.00 AM: Aligar NS vs Abdul Majeed
• 9.30 AM: Zahira Mawanella vs Vidyialoka Galle
• 10.30 AM: Abdul Majeed vs Stafford IS
• 11.30 AM: Vidyialoka Galle vs Gateway Kandy
• 1.00 PM: Aligar NS vs Stafford IS
• 2.00 PM: Zahira Mawanella vs Gateway Kandy

Kurana Mejaraaj Ground (Groups C & F)

• 8.00 AM: St. Mary’s Chilaw vs Zahira Matale
• 9.30 AM: Uva College vs Malhara Suliya MV
• 10.30 AM: Zahira Matale vs Gateway Colombo
• 11.30 AM: Malhara Suliya MV vs Thopawewa NS
• 1.00 PM: St. Mary’s Chilaw vs Gateway Colombo
• 2.00 PM: Uva College vs Thopawewa NS

Don Bosco Ground (Groups D & E)

• 8.00 AM: Jailani NS vs Arafa NS
• 9.30 AM: Maris Stella Negombo vs Maliyadeva MS
• 10.30 AM: Arafa NS vs Al-Falal College
• 11.30 AM: Maliyadeva MS vs Al Minhaj NS
• 1.00 PM: Jailani NS vs Al-Falal College
• 2.00 PM: Maris Stella vs Al Minhaj NS

Katunayake 18 Kanuwa Ground (Group G)

• 8.00 AM: Jinaraja Boys’ College vs Zahira Puttalam
• 9.30 AM: Zahira Puttalam vs Al Fahiriya Panadura
• 10.30 AM: Jinaraja Boys’ College vs Al Fahiriya

Knockout Stage – Second Round

The winners of Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G will advance to the Knockout Stage scheduled after the completion of group matches

. Match pairings will be finalized based on group rankings.

A Platform for Young Talent

The Under-16 Division II Championship continues to be a pivotal tournament in identifying and elevating Sri Lanka’s rising footballers. Teams will fight for qualification to higher divisions and for national-level recognition.

Sri Lankan Sports TV will provide live updates, match scores, photos, and special coverage throughout the tournament.

The Champions League, the second-tier elite tournament of Football Sri Lanka (FFSL), returns with a revamped structure and a renewed vision for elevating the domestic game. A total of 14 top clubs have been drawn into two competitive groups, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic football seasons in recent years.

Tournament Format

• 14 teams will compete in two groups.
• The top 4 teams from each group will advance to the prestigious Super 8 Round.
• In the Super 8, all eight teams will battle each other in a league format.
• The team with the highest points at the end of the Super 8 will be crowned Champions League winners.

This structure ensures more high-level matches, stronger competition, and maximum exposure for players and clubs across the country.

A Message That Marks a New Era — Exclusive to Sri Lankan Sports TV

President of Football Sri Lanka, Jaswar Umar, delivered a powerful and forward-thinking message reflecting the transformation happening within the game:

“We have now invested and elevated the domestic game with a world-class Champions League experience, delivering top-level match operations, enhanced presentation, commercial partnerships, and live TV broadcasts for all matches—an unprecedented milestone for local football.

The tournament not only provides advanced facilities for teams, players, coaches, and referees, but also launches a major social initiative: the ‘No to Drugs’ campaign, using football to educate communities and inspire rejection of drugs.

The Champions League marks a new era and a transformative step forward for football in Sri Lanka.

I request all teams, players and coaches to take maximum benefits from the facilities given.

This is – One Game. One Heart.”
— Jaswar Umar, FFSL President

A New Vision for Sri Lankan Football

The Champions League promises:

• Professionally managed match operations
• Improved stadium presentation & media coverage
• Commercial partner integration
• Live TV broadcasts for every match
• Player development and greater competitive exposure
• A nationwide “No to Drugs” awareness campaign

This is more than a tournament—it is the foundation of Sri Lanka’s long-term football development, community education, and national sporting pride.