COLOMBO, August 21 (ePRESS) – Defenders FC powered to their first win of the Super League 2025/26 season with a convincing 4-1 victory over bottom-placed Ratnam SC at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, with Shifan Kaleel striking twice in the second half to seal an important three points.
The victory lifted Defenders to four points from six matches, while Ratnam remained rooted to the bottom of the 10-team standings without a point after six straight defeats.
Defenders made the perfect start when midfielder Abdeen Fayas opened the scoring in the 21st minute, giving his side an early advantage.
But Ratnam refused to surrender and found an equaliser just before the break. Spriththijohn Jesuyhashan struck in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, sending the teams into the interval level at 1-1.
Defenders took firm control after the restart.
Mohomed Aadhif restored their lead in the 56th minute before Kaleel took centre stage. The forward struck in the 56th and 72nd minutes, according to the official match sheet, as Defenders completed a comfortable 4-1 win.
Fayas was named Most Valuable Player after his influential display and opening goal.
The result gave Defenders a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the campaign. They now have one win, one draw and four defeats from six matches, with five goals scored and 10 conceded.
Ratnam’s struggles continued as they suffered their sixth defeat in six matches. They have scored only two goals while conceding 26 and remain without a point.
At the top of the table, Up Country Lions SC remain clear leaders with 15 points from five straight wins, followed by Renown SC and Colombo FC on 11 points each.
