Gateway U18s Clinch Fourth Consecutive International Schools Football Title

The champions Gateway College players pose for a ceremonial picture. Front row from left: Anuhas Fernando, Najaadh Nizlan, Hamdhan Irshad, Raaidh Ali, Ayyash Ziyad, Krethik Lalithakumar. Middle row from left: Abdullah Naleem, Ammar Ishan, Saviru Sensith, Emadh Dilshard, Zaid Isthiquar, Hamood Rizwan, Dulina Wickramasinghe, Sanaa Sifan. Back row standing from left: Ashad Najeem (coach), Priyanga Peiris (coach), Mahir Imran, Nusraan Naseer,  Nikaash Govindan, James Heath (head coach), Rehan Jayasinghe, Ihsaan Faleel, Imadh Shareeq, Dinuka Dhananjaya (coordinator), Dion Dias (coach)

Gateway College etched their name in history once again by securing the International Schools Under-18 Football Championship for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming their dominance on the schools’ football circuit.

The tournament, held at Moragasmulla from February 2 to 12 made Gateway begin their campaign in commanding fashion. They topped their group with a resounding 4–0 victory over CIS Colombo and followed by a confidence-boosting 3–1 win against hosts Royal Institute, setting the tone for another remarkable run.

As the competition progressed, Gateway’s midfield emerged as the heartbeat of the team. Captain and Sri Lanka U17 player Nusraan Nazeer, alongside his national teammate Hamood Rizwan, controlled proceedings with composure and technical brilliance. Their dominance in midfield ensured that Gateway dictated the tempo of every match, constantly creating opportunities while being supported by a disciplined and organised defence.

A clinical 2–0 victory over Lyceum Nugegoda in the quarter-finals was followed by a convincing 3–0 win against Gateway Kandy in the semi-finals, setting up a much-anticipated final against Elizabeth Moir.

At the final, Gateway ended victorious with a narrow but well-deserved 1–0 win. The solitary goal came from forward Rehan Jayasinghe, whose superb strike sealed the championship. 

Jayasinghe finished as the tournament’s top scorer with an impressive tally of eight goals. Goalkeeper Mahir Imran was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, recognising his consistency and crucial saves throughout the campaign.

Gateway’s latest triumph further cemented their supremacy in International Schools’ football. With the Under 20 team securing their seventh consecutive International Schools Championship at the end of last year, Gateway continues to set the benchmark at school-level football.