The Dialog Champions League Super 8 will restart this weekend (19th) after a two month absence as the top 8 teams prepare to lay claim to their title challenge.  

The Super 8 match week 1 was underway during the first week of September. However, due to preparations for the Solidarity Cup many key players of numerous super 8 teams were  summoned to the national squad by Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

Watch Live DCL16 – Super 8 Week 02

Consequently, many clubs who were contesting in the Super 8’s conveyed their displeasure to continue with the remainder of the Super 8 ties up until their players who were on nation duty were released.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka later with the presence of Football club authorities disclosed during a press release that the remaining matches will be held ones the Solidarity Tournament and rescheduled to start on the 19th of November.

Early Standings

The first round of Super 8 games were nothing short of drama and action as a few shock results took center stage.

The biggest upset being Blue Star pulling off a stunning 2-0 victory over the much-fancied Renown FC outfit. Defending champions Colombo SC were held by a robust New Youngs line up as they frustrated the prior with some stellar defending.

An inconsistent Navy SC suffered the wrath of a free flowing Solid SC who hammered the Sailors 5-0. Yet another title contender in Army SC were held by a spirited Air Force SC. A ten man Army managed to dig deep and produce a much deserved late winner to kick start the Super 8 phase with a bang.

At the end of this thriller minute ride Solid SC enjoy the top of the table by virtue of goal difference thanks to their goal scoring prowess against Navy. Blue Star sit second only separated by goal difference as four teams are tied at a point a piece. Renown SC and Navy will have to go back to the drawing board as they’re in need of rethinking their strategy.

Stage set up for a chartbuster

It is still early days to predict a pattern in which this year’s competition will shape up. The smitten Renown SC will expect to put their game week one disappointments behind them to bounce back in style.

Defending champions Colombo FC under the mastermind of Mohamed Roomy will have their work cut out as they will face formidable opposition during the course of the tournament.

Army SC, who are the FA Cup champions will lead the chase for the title despite dropping two points against the Airmen. The tournament dark horses Solid SC, who tasted Champions League success in 2015 will no doubt be looking to repeat their feet after a virtuous start.

Unquestionably, the Super 8’s will turn out be a dog fight for glory as the first round of results has certainly upset the applecart.

The battle for supremacy will start this Saturday with Blue Star taking on Air Force SC followed by a double header on Sunday between Colombo SC v Solid SC and Renown SC v New Youngs’ SC. The week two fixtures will round off on Monday, when SL Army SC take on SL Navy SC.