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Oxford Presidents Cup 2024: Excitement Builds as Hameed Al Husseinie College Hosts Prestigious Soccer Tournament for 14th Year
Colombo, January 24, 2024 – The eagerly anticipated Oxford Presidents Cup (Challenge Trophy) is set to kick off on the 3rd of February 2024 at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. Organized by the Group of 80’s of Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo, and generously sponsored by Oxford Group, this tournament has become a staple in promoting soccer among school children and the wider public for the 14th consecutive year.
Objectives of the Tournament
The primary objectives of the tournament include popularizing soccer, fostering fellowship among participants regardless of background, and providing a vibrant platform for young talents to develop character for future local and international soccer events. The tournament also aims to prepare players for larger grounds and floodlit matches, offering a golden opportunity for selectors from the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the National Team to identify and nurture future talents.
Key Dates and Venues:
- Opening Day Match: 3rd February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Pre Quarters & Quarter Finals: 4th, 5th, and 11th February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Semi Final: 18th February 2024 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
- Grand Finale: 10th March 2024 at Racecourse Ground, Colombo 7.
Brief History of College Football:
Established in 1884, Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo, boasts a rich history spanning over 140 years. Not only has the institution produced notable personalities in various fields, but it has also been a powerhouse in sports. The school, instrumental in training the first-ever world champion in Sri Lanka, continues to shine in football. Over the years, it has clinched major titles across various tournaments, making it a renowned name in school football.
Themes and Recent Achievements:
As ardent football promoters, the organizers have introduced themes for each year. This year’s theme is the “President Trophy.” In the previous edition, Hameed Al Husseinie College emerged victorious in a thrilling finale against Kaluthara Muslim Central College, Colombo, securing a historic 2-0 win in front of a packed crowd at Racecourse Ground.
Invited Teams for Oxford Presidents Cup 2024:
- Ananda College, Colombo
- De Mazenod College, Kandana
- Aligar Central College, Eravur
- St Benedict’s College, Colombo
- St Mary’s College, Negambo
- Maristella College, Negombo
- Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo
- Baduriya Central College, Mawanella
- St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
- St. Peters College, Colombo
- D S Senanayake College, Colombo
- Gateway International, Colombo
- Wesley College, Colombo
- S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia
- Royal College, Colombo
- Al Mubarak National School, Malwana
- Darussalam College, Colombo
- Isipathana College, Colombo
- Dharmadutha College, Badulla
- Zahira College, Colombo
- St. Henry’s College, Jaffna
- Al Hilal Central College, Negambo
- Al Humaizara College, Beruwala
With an impressive lineup of schools and a history steeped in excellence, the Oxford Presidents Cup 2024 promises to be a showcase of talent, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of soccer. Fans and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the kickoff of this prestigious tournament that has become a highlight in the Sri Lankan school football calendar.
Match Fixtures
Colombo | Friday, 13 June 2025 | Kickoff: 4:00 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka will kick off their Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Pool A campaign this Friday (13th June) at ARMC #1 in Colombo, taking on higher-ranked South Korea in a crucial Round 1 encounter.
This marks South Korea’s first match of the tournament, while Sri Lanka enters the game high on confidence, following a resounding 59-19 win against Malaysia on April 19 at the Racecourse Ground, Colombo.
However, the Lankan Lions face a potential setback, with skipper Nigel Ratwatte possibly missing the match due to illness. Sources close to the team confirm that Nigel is recovering from a fever and remains a game-time decision. His absence could leave a leadership gap as Sri Lanka look to challenge a technically sound South Korean outfit.
World Rugby Rankings Ahead of the Clash:
- South Korea: Ranked 35th, 50.77 points
- Sri Lanka: Ranked 39th, 47.99 points
The upcoming match is not only vital for tournament progression but also crucial for World Rugby ranking points, with Sri Lanka having a golden opportunity to close the gap on their Pool A rivals.
With the home crowd behind them and recent form in their favour, Sri Lanka will be hoping for a strong start—even without their inspirational skipper.
June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final
The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.
After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.
Australia Struggle Under Pressure
Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.
Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)
Fall of Wickets: 67/4
Session: Day 1 – Lunch
World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 12 | 100 | 69.44 |
| 2 | Australia | 19 | 154 | 67.54 |
| 3 | India | 19 | 114 | 50.00 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | England | 22 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 13 | 60 | 38.46 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 44 | 28.21 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 14 | 47 | 27.98 |
Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.
Top Performers This Cycle
Batting Leaders:
- Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
- Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]
Bowling Leaders:
- Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
- Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)
Sri Lanka’s Position
Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.
Colombo, June 11 – Sri Lanka bounced back in style in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a commanding 3–1 victory over Chinese Taipei in their Group D clash held in Colombo. The win comes as a crucial lifeline for the Lions, who are now level on points with Thailand and firmly in the race for qualification.
After a narrow defeat in their opening match against Thailand, Sri Lanka showcased character, discipline, and attacking flair against a struggling Chinese Taipei side.
De Silva Shines Bright for Sri Lanka
The star of the night was undoubtedly Dillon De Silva, who delivered a match-winning performance. He provided an early assist for Wazeem Razeek before scoring a stunning goal to put Sri Lanka ahead 2–0. De Silva continued to dictate the game and capped off his night with a second assist in the final stages, wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the home side.
“This win is a turning point for us. We showed heart and belief. Our fans deserved this,” said De Silva after the match.
Group D Standings After Matchday 2
Position Team Played W–D–L Goals (F–A) GD Points
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkmenistan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | Thailand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
The group remains wide open, with Sri Lanka now needing strong results against both Thailand and Turkmenistan to keep their hopes alive for a historic qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka will next face group leaders Turkmenistan in a crucial encounter. With momentum back on their side and home support growing, the national team will look to carry this energy forward and push for qualification glory.
Sri Lanka Set to Face South Korea in Asia Rugby Men’s Championship – Skipper Nigel in Doubt
AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s
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