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.

📅 26 & 27 November 2025
📍 Don Bosco Ground, Negombo

The excitement builds as the Under-16 Division II Tournament 2025 enters its final round with 26 teams from across the country set to battle for glory on 26th and 27th November at the Don Bosco Grounds in Negombo. Young talent from every province will showcase their skills in what promises to be a high-intensity two-day competition.

This year’s final round brings together a diverse lineup of schools:

1. Aligar National School – Batticaloa
2. Gateway College – Kandy
3. Jinaraja Boys’ College – Gampola
4. Zahira College – Mawanella
5. Maris Stella College – Negombo
6. Al-Falah College – Negombo
7. St. Henry’s College – Jaffna
8. Uva College – Badulla
9. Maliyadeva Model School – Kurunegala
10. Galle – 01
11. Galle – 02
12. Jailani National School – Balangoda
13. Anuradhapura – 01
14. De La Salle College – Mannar
15. Tamil Central College – Vavuniya
16. Thopawewa National School – Polonnaruwa
17. Matale – 01
18. Al-Minhaj National School – Nuwara Eliya
19. St. Mary’s College – Chilaw
20. Zahira College – Puttalam
21. Abdul Majied – Kinniya
22. Pulavarmani Sherifudeen – Ampara
23. Al-Fariha National School – Kalutara
24. Arafa National School – Matara
25. Gateway College – Colombo
26. Stafford International School – Colombo

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The 2025 edition promises thrilling encounters, rising stars, and outstanding sportsmanship. Stay tuned for match fixtures, live updates, and full coverage from Negombo as these young champions compete for Division II supremacy.

Sri Lankan Sports TV will bring you all the action from the field.

With four matchdays completed in the AFC Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers – 3rd Round, Sri Lanka remain firmly in contention for a historic qualification from Group D, where Turkmenistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Chinese Taipei are battling for two places.

After Tuesday’s fixtures, the Group D table stands as follows:

1. Turkmenistan – 9 pts (GD +3)
2. Thailand – 9 pts (GD +6)
3. Sri Lanka – 6 pts (GD +1)
4. Chinese Taipei – 0 pts (GD –10)

Sri Lanka’s performances so far – including the landmark 1–0 victory over Turkmenistan in Colombo and a strong 3–1 win against Chinese Taipei at home – have kept the Lions within striking distance of the top two.

With two matches remaining, Sri Lanka’s qualification pathway is mathematically alive. Here is the full breakdown of how the team can still qualify, based on a complete analysis of all possible outcomes.

Remaining Fixtures – Group D

18 November 2025

• Sri Lanka vs Thailand – Colombo
• Turkmenistan vs Chinese Taipei – Arkadag

31 March 2026

• Chinese Taipei vs Sri Lanka – Taipei
• Thailand vs Turkmenistan – Bangkok

Each match is crucial, and the standings could shift dramatically depending on these four results.

Mathematical Analysis: How Sri Lanka Can Qualify

Our complete outcome analysis (covering all 81 possible result combinations from the four remaining matches) shows:

Sri Lanka finish in the top two in 28 out of 81 scenarios

– This means there is still a realistic pathway to qualification.

In 10 of the 28 scenarios, Sri Lanka qualify directly on points

– No tie-breakers needed.
– These are the strongest and most secure qualification routes.

In 18 scenarios, Sri Lanka finish tied on points for 1st/2nd

– In these cases, qualification will depend on AFC’s tie-breakers:

1. Head-to-head points
2. Head-to-head goal difference
3. Head-to-head goals scored
4. Overall goal difference
5. Goals scored

Because Sri Lanka’s current goal difference is lower than both Turkmenistan and Thailand, big winning margins in the remaining matches may be crucial.

Key Pathways for Sri Lanka to Reach the AFC Asian Cup

1. Win Against Thailand in Colombo – The Game-Changer

This is the single most important fixture.
Most qualification scenarios begin with:

Sri Lanka defeat Thailand on 18 November

A win at home puts Sri Lanka level on 9 points and pulls Thailand back into the contest. This result alone dramatically increases the qualification probability.

2. Beat Chinese Taipei Away on 31 March

Chinese Taipei have lost all matches so far with a goal difference of –10.
A win here is essential, and:

A high-margin victory improves Sri Lanka’s tie-break position

If qualification comes down to goal difference or goals scored, the result in Taipei could be decisive.

3. The Best-Case, Most Realistic Route

The following sequence delivers the strongest qualification guarantee:

Sri Lanka beat Thailand (Colombo)

Sri Lanka beat Chinese Taipei (Taipei)

This takes Sri Lanka to 12 points, and in most scenarios, that total is enough for a top-two finish.

However, in some combinations where Turkmenistan and Thailand also reach 12, the group ends in a three-way tie, and tie-breakers become critical. In such cases, Sri Lanka must have:

• A strong winning margin over Chinese Taipei
• A multi-goal win over Thailand (improves head-to-head and GD)

4. If Sri Lanka Draw Against Thailand

Qualification is still possible, but only if:

Turkmenistan drop points against Chinese Taipei on 18 November

This is unlikely on paper but remains mathematically possible.
In this scenario, Sri Lanka must also beat Chinese Taipei away.

5. If Sri Lanka Lose to Thailand

The road becomes extremely difficult.

Sri Lanka would need:

• Chinese Taipei to upset Turkmenistan, and
• Thailand to beat Turkmenistan in the final match,
• Plus Sri Lanka winning away in Taipei.

This combination is possible but highly improbable.

What Sri Lanka Must Do: A Simple Roadma

1. Win against Thailand in Colombo – absolutely vital

The qualification race effectively hinges on this match.

2. Win big against Chinese Taipei

Every goal matters. A +3/+4 margin can change the tie-breaker battle entirely.

3. Hope for Turkmenistan to drop points

Even a draw against Chinese Taipei would be hugely beneficial for Sri Lanka.

4. Improve goal difference

Essential if the group ends in a points tie.

Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Dream Still Alive

Sri Lanka stand at a crucial yet promising point in their AFC Asian Cup 2026 qualifying journey.
With two matches left and a direct showdown against Thailand at home, the Lions have a real opportunity to push for a historic qualification.

Victory in Colombo on November 18 could ignite the nation’s hopes and set up a thrilling final matchday in March 2026.

Sri Lanka remain in the fight — and the path to the AFC Asian Cup is still wide open.