One of the most anticipated schools football tournaments in Sri Lanka, the Oxford President's Cup 2024 Challenge Trophy is reaching its penultimate week with semifinal clashes on the cards. Top schoolboy football-playing schools all over the island covering every province are taking part in this tournament organised by footballing powerhouse Hameed-Al-Husseinie College Colombo Group of 80s. This is the 14th edition of the tournament.
Four best of the best teams have qualified to the semifinals, including hosts Hameed Al Husseinie, Gateway College Colombo, S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia, and Al Hilal Central College Negombo.
In their quarterfinal clash, Hameed Al Husseinie College showcased exceptional skill and determination on the field, earning their place in the semifinals with a resounding win against another giant in local football St. Joseph’s College in a thumping 3-0 win. M.R.Athiq was named player of the match for his superb effort for the winners.
Gateway College with yet another impressive performance on the field, secured a grand decisive win and advanced to the semifinals beating Royal College in a one-sided affair 5-0, unfortunately, it was a tough day for the Royalists with heavy onslaught. Gateway skipper Umar Shakil was named the best player of the match.
Al Hilal Central College secured a dominant victory, securing their spot in the semifinals with a convincing win against their Negombo counterparts, St. Mary’s College beating them 5-1. M.M.M.Rushad won the award for the best player for his sublime performance.
In a nail-biting finish after a fiercely contested match, S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the Semi Finals beating St. Benedict’s College Colombo. The match ended in a 1-all draw and went into penalties to decide the winner. A.T.Lawrance Goalkeeper of S. Thomas’ was adjudged the best player of the game for his key role in guarding the Thomian fortress.
Let’s have a recap of the concluded games in the tourney.
Gateway beat Wesley 4-0
Royal (Colombo) beat De Mazenod 2-0
Al Hilal Central beat Alighar National (Eravur) 2-0
St. Benedict’s beat Dharmadutha (Badulla) 3-0
Pre-quarterfinals:
St. Mary’s Negombo beat Al Mubarak (Malwana) 7-0
St. Joseph’s beat Isipathana 4-0
S. Thomas’ beat Maris Stella (2-2) P (3-1)
Royal beat Darussalaam 6-2
Quarterfinals:
Gateway College beat Royal College 5-0
S. Thomas’ College beat St. Benedict’s College 1-1, 2-0 (P)
Al Hilal Central beat St. Mary’s Negombo 5-1
Hameed Al Husseini beat St. Joseph’s College 3-0
Semifinals :
1st Semi – 18 February Sunday 2 p.m. at Sugathadasa Stadium
S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia vs Al Hilal Central College Negombo
2nd Semi – 18 February Sunday 4 p.m. at Sugathadasa Stadium
Hameed-Al-Husseinie College vs. Gateway College