Week 1 of the DCL Super 8 stage saw the formbook thrown out of the window as 3 of the 4 more fancied teams dropped points, setting the tone for what will be a fascinating Super 8 stage.

The big teams will be looking to get their title bids back on track after a long international break, but will now know no game is an easy one with none of the teams just here to make up the numbers.

ThePapare.com takes a look at this week’s clashes in detail.

Blue Star SC vs Air Force SC (6th January at 3:20pm at Kelaniya Football Complex)

Air Force will be absolutely livid with themselves for conceding an injury time equalizer against the 10-man Army team; a goal that tainted a great team performance.

They will need to channel their frustrations into replicating some of their counter-attacking play in that game against Blue Star this week, as their attacking triumvirate of Ishan, Bandara and Kelum Perera were irresistible at times.

Blue Star on the other hand will be riding a high on the rollercoaster that has been their season so far, after pressing Renown into making mistakes and then capitalizing on them with ruthless efficiency.

They are a real threat from set pieces and the experienced heads of E.B. Channa and Nasiru Opayemi at either end of the pitch will hold them in good stead. Expect goals.

WATCH LIVE- Blue Star SC vs Air Force SC – DCL16 Super 8


Colombo FC vs Solid SC (7th January at 3:20pm at Kelaniya Football Complex)

Colombo FC were frustrated for much of their first match against New Youngs whose committed defensive effort resulted in the defending champions being held to a goalless draw.

Colombo FC did not play badly though, and despite their poor finishing, some of the buildup play was top notch.  They will know they have to improve in front of goal if they are to avenge their group stage defeat.

Solid on the other hand had to weather an early storm in their clash against Navy before putting them to the sword and registering their biggest win of the season. Colombo FC will not be torn apart as easily as Navy though, and Solid will have to settle into the game quicker than they did last week if they are to repeat their performance against Colombo in the group stage. This will be an even contest with both teams playing for the win.

WATCH LIVE – Colombo FC vs Solid SC – DCL16 Super 8


Renown SC vs New Youngs FC (8th January at 3:20pm at Kelaniya Football Complex)

New Youngs defended their hearts out against Colombo to gain a hard-earned point in their opening clash and plenty more defending will be on the cards when they come up against opponents they lost against in the group stage.

With the team very committed in defence, New Youngs need to get Ankamah George more involved at the opposite end of the field with the forward and his partner Hasitha Priyankara often left isolated and without support, and the return of Mohammed Mushikan will be helpful in this regard.

Renown on the other hand suffered a shock loss against Blue Star in their opening clash, struggling to put together threatening moves without the physical presence of Job Michael in the attacking third. They fell prey to the high pressure nature of the game Blue Star adopted when defending, something New Youngs must try to do if they are to get a favourable result.

Job Michael will be back in the Renown line up for this clash, but they will be without Afam Akram who was injured on national duty. It will be an interesting clash with Renown desperate to get all three points and New Youngs keen to reverse their group stage 3-1 loss.

WATCH LIVE – Renown SC vs New Youngs FC – DCL16 Super 8


Army SC vs Navy SC (9th January at 3:20pm at Kelaniya Football Complex)

Army will consider themselves lucky to have come away with a point against Air Force and then they also saw some of their main competitors drop points, leaving the door very much open for them. Dilan Udayanga will be missed in defence following his red card, and it is unclear as to whether he will play a part for the rest of the campaign either after talking too much to the referee.

They need to be better organized in defence and make better use of the chances they create if they are to get back to winning ways.

Navy looked very demoralized in their game against Solid when they conceded the first goal despite dominating the early stages. They were then taken to the cleaners in the second half by a clinical Solid team and the final score was one they’d want to quickly put behind them.

Chalana Chameera was lively when deployed further up the field and it may be a gamble worth taking if Navy want to trouble the Army back four. Army will go in as favourites to pick up a win.

WATCH LIVE – Army SC vs Navy SC – DCL16 Super 8