Gateway retains U-18 International Schools’ Football title

Winning team with officials  

Gateway College Colombo retained their Under 18 International Schools’ title with a dominant and commanding display of football during this year’s Under 18 international Schools’ Football Championship hosted by Royal Institute and held at the Moragasmulla Grounds.   

Captained by Zaki Ashraff, Gateway’s team performance proved too powerful for its opponents with its strong attacking line up scoring 24 goals across the tournament. Vice-captain and midfielder, Brian Herath, top scored in the tournament with 10 goals, whilst striker Hunan Haleem and midfielder Ahmed Hijaazy contributed 4 goals and 3 goals respectively. The team also didn’t concede any goals during the tournament, as the midfield maintained good possession and control throughout.   

Gateway made a flying start to the tournament topping the group stage after beating Lyceum Nugegoda 6-0, Gateway Kandy 5-0 and Stafford 4-0. They overcame Lyceum Wattlala 2-0 in the quarters whilst defeating CIS Colombo 2-0 in the semis. In a repeat of last year’s final Gateway faced Elizabeth Moir, winning with a comfortable 4-0 scoreline. 

 
Brian Herath was adjudged Player of the Tournament whilst Anuk Dassanayake was awarded Best Keeper for the second year running.   

The U14 International Schools Tournament was also held at the same time and the Gateway youngsters played very well to earn the third-place spot.