SCU achieved a remarkable sporting milestone by emerging as champions of the Leaders’ Trophy Inter University Soccer Championship 2026, following two days of competitive football on 17 and 18 October 2026. Demonstrating determination, teamwork, and composure under pressure, the SCU football team progressed through the group stage and knockout rounds before securing a memorable victory in the final against KDU A.
The tournament commenced on 17 October with the group-stage matches, where SCU faced three opponents in its pursuit of a place in the knockout stage. The team began its campaign with a 2–1 victory over ACBT, earning three valuable points. Although SCU subsequently suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat against KDU A, the players responded positively in their third group-stage fixture, securing a walkover victory against SAB and collecting another three points. With a total of six points, SCU successfully qualified for the knockout stage, demonstrating resilience and maintaining its championship ambitions.
The competition intensified on 18 October as the tournament moved into the knockout rounds. In the semi-final, SCU faced NSBM in a closely contested encounter that ended in a 1–1 draw at the conclusion of regular play. The match was decided through a penalty shootout, where SCU held its nerve to secure a 5–3 victory. This important win earned the team a place in the final and brought it one step closer to the championship title.
The final saw SCU face KDU A once again, setting the stage for a competitive encounter between the two teams. The match remained evenly contested, with both sides scoring once to finish regular play at 1–1. With the championship at stake, the game proceeded to a penalty shootout. Displaying remarkable composure and determination, the SCU players converted their opportunities to secure a 4–2 victory on penalties, officially crowning SCU as the champions of the Leaders’ Trophy Inter University Soccer Championship 2026.
A key figure in the team’s campaign was captain Pratheeb Vishvanath, whose leadership helped guide the squad throughout the competition. His role in bringing the players together, maintaining team spirit, and encouraging the squad through challenging moments reflected the importance of leadership and unity in achieving the championship victory.
Adding to the team’s success, Kavishka Shehan received the Best Goalkeeper Award in recognition of his performance throughout the tournament. His individual achievement further highlighted the contribution of SCU’s players to the team’s overall success.
The championship-winning SCU football squad comprised the following players:
- Mohamed Feras
- Infiham Ahamed
- Yahya Zuhdhi
- Tehan Kodikara
- Suhan Hansana
- Nadil De Silva
- Chathu Kalhara
- Kavishka Shehan
- Mohamed Whaleed
- Mohamed Dhaqib
- Pratheeb Vishvanath (Captain)
- Mohamed Rumaan
- Arshad Khan
- Muhammadh
- Ahamed Muqsith
- MJ Abdullah
- Maghelesh Selvaraj
- Mohomed Aaqhil
SCU’s championship victory reflects the commitment, discipline, and collective effort demonstrated by the players throughout the competition. Overcoming challenging opponents and delivering under pressure, the team brought pride to the institution through an outstanding sporting performance.
SCU congratulates the entire football team on this significant achievement, commends captain Pratheeb Vishvanath for his leadership, and extends its best wishes to Kavishka Shehan on receiving the Best Goalkeeper Award. The victory marks an important moment in SCU’s sporting journey and celebrates the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence that drives its students beyond the classroom.
