Gateway football reach new heights
Gateway made a strong start to the competition, defeating Royal Institute 5-0 and the British School in Colombo 8-0 in the group stages. They continued their relentless momentum with a commanding 13-0 win over Colombo International School (CIS), Colombo in the quarter-finals before holding their nerve to win on penalties against a determined Lyceum International School, Wattala in the semi-finals.
Gateway College football squad
In the final, played in challenging weather conditions, Gateway faced Elizabeth Moir in a repeat of the final two years ago. Once again, Gateway proved far superior, securing an emphatic 6-0 victory to claim the U-20 International Schools’ title for the ninth time in the last decade years.
Across the tournament, Gateway scored an extraordinary 32 goals in just five matches. Striker Aidan Perera led the charge with 10 goals, while midfielders Zaki Ashraff (5), Hunan Haleem (4), and both Humaidh Irshad and Rehan Jayesinghe (3 each) ensured the attack remained unstoppable. Equally impressive was Gateway’s defensive stability. Marshalled by vice captain Thaj Riza, the back line remained resolute throughout, not conceding a single goal. Gateway College now boasts a remarkable defensive record of conceding only one goal in U-20 International Schools’ football over the past three years.
Gateway’s individual brilliance was also recognised with a clean sweep of the major awards. Captain and midfield Zaki Ashraff was named Player of the Tournament for his leadership and exceptional performances. National Under-17 and Under-19 goalkeeper Nadal Senapala deservedly received the Best Goalkeeper award, while Under-17 national midfielder Humaidh Irshad was declared Player of the Final for his outstanding display.
With seven consecutive U-20 championships, Gateway College, Colombo continues to reinforce its reputation as the leading international schools’ football team in the country. The school is also making waves in national schools’ football, having recently been crowned Under-16 Colombo District joint champions. In addition, Gateway proudly secured third place in the All-Island U-20 Division I Tournament, cementing their position among the top three footballing schools in Sri Lanka.
In the All-Island competition, Gateway announced their intentions from the outset by stunning tournament favourites St. Joseph’s College with a brilliant 3-1 win at the City League Complex. A brace from striker Rehan Jayesinghe and another goal from captain Zaki Ashraff set the tone for what was to come. The team then battled to a gritty 1-1 draw against St. Benedict’s College at the University of Colombo grounds, with Ashraff finding the net once more. Gateway continued to impress with a long journey to Jaffna, where they earned an admirable 2-2 draw against a spirited St. Patrick’s College, thanks to goals from Aidan Perera and the ever-reliable Ashraff. Finishing the group stage undefeated, Gateway— the only international school competing in Division I— firmly established themselves as major contenders.
In the quarter-finals, Gateway edged out Kalutara Muslim Central College 1-0 with another decisive effort from Aidan, while goalkeeper Nadal was named Most Valuable Player for his heroic display. Although Gateway fell short in the semi-finals against tournament favourites Zahira College, they bounced back in spectacular fashion in the third-place playoff. Delivering their most complete performance of the tournament, Gateway defeated Royal College 3-0 at the Sugathadasa Stadium. National player Umar Shakil stole the spotlight with two goals to secure the MVP award, and Ashraff capped off his sensational tournament with another goal for his team.
After years of sustained investment in player development and coaching excellence, Gateway now stands proudly among the top footballing schools in Sri Lanka. They are also one of only a select few institutions competing in Division I across all senior age groups — Under-16, Under-18, and Under-20 — reinforcing their reputation as an emerging powerhouse in Sri Lankan schools’ football.