Co Antrim’s dream of adding a Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys’ Premier title to their three Boys’ Junior crowns remains alive after earning the point they needed against Manchester United to book a place in the semi-finals.
The county side went into the decisive Group D clash at the Riada Stadium knowing a draw would be enough to finish above the Red Devils on goal difference, and they delivered in front of a packed crowd of 2,200 supporters to set up a last-four meeting with Japanese newcomers Kamimura Gakuen.
Antrim carved out the game’s first opportunity when Caoimhin Connolly fired over after seeing his initial effort blocked.
United responded through Simon Okeke, whose header from Ben Lyne’s cross was comfortably saved, before JB Camlin and Oscar Spence both tested the Manchester United goalkeeper at the other end.
The Red Devils eventually broke the deadlock when Lyne produced a fine finish, but Antrim responded almost immediately in bizarre fashion as an attempted defensive clearance cannoned off Eoin Harden and into the net.
Manchester United started the second half on the front foot, with Lyne curling one effort wide before seeing another blocked.
A defensive mix-up almost gifted Harden a second goal, but his close-range effort was well saved.
Knowing only victory would be enough, United piled forward in the closing stages. Jaice Dore first curled narrowly wide before rattling the crossbar with another effort.
Deep into stoppage time, Dore turned provider with an inviting cross for Mane Balde Soares, but the forward’s first-time effort flew high over the crossbar.
Antrim nearly snatched all three points themselves in the closing moments as Padai O’Kane weaved past several challenges before seeing his effort blocked, but the final whistle sparked celebrations as the county side secured the point they required.
They will now face Kamimura Gakuen, who have enjoyed a dream debut tournament by reaching the semi-finals at the first attempt.
Goals from Nanato Uchida and Ayuto Higa secured a 2-0 victory over Co Armagh at The Ropewalk to maintain the Japanese side’s perfect record.
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Budget Energy Supercup Premier: Southampton v Tigres at Limavady Showgrounds PICTURE: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye(Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)
Read more:Glentoran coach Tim McCann watches his son represent Antrim against the likes of Manchester United and Rangers in the SuperCup NI
Defending champions Southampton also progressed after goals from Luke Fletcher and Samuele Fox earned a 2-0 victory over Tigres UANL in their Group C decider at Limavady Showgrounds.
The Saints will now face Right to Dream, who marked their return to the SuperCupNI for the first time since 2019 with a 2-0 victory over Co Tyrone at Parker Avenue.
Mohamed Gouda and Milan Jovanovic were both on target as the Ghanaian academy secured their place in the last four.
Co Down rounded off their Group A campaign with a 3-0 win over Derby County but had to settle for a place in the Globe Trophy semi-finals, where they will face Tigres UANL.
The other Globe semi-final will be an all-English affair as Sunderland take on Manchester United.
The Black Cats marked their return to the competition after a 27-year absence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Co Fermanagh 8-2 in Broughshane to set up a mouth-watering tie with the Red Devils.
Rangers claimed their first victory of the tournament with a 5-3 success over Intercontinental FA in Bushmills and will now face Co Armagh in the Vase semi-finals, while Co Tyrone take on Iconz Elite in the other last-four clash.
The American debutants played out a goalless draw with Co Londonderry in their final group match at the Coleraine Showgrounds, although chances were plentiful.
Michael McColgan and Steven Coyle both went close for the county side during an entertaining first half.
Co Londonderry continued to ask questions after the break, but Iconz Elite almost stole all three points late on when Chase O’Neill headed against the crossbar before the danger was eventually cleared following a frantic goalmouth scramble.
Co Londonderry will now face Derby County in the Bowl semi-finals, with the winners taking on either Co Fermanagh or Intercontinental FA.
Boys’ Premier Section Results - Wednesday 29 July
Kamimura Gakuen 2-0 Co Armagh
Right to Dream 2-0 Co Tyrone
Derby County 0-3 Co Down
Rangers 5-3 Intercontinental FA
Co Fermanagh 2-8 Sunderland
Co Londonderry 0-0 Iconz Elite
Manchester United 1-1 Co Antrim
Tigres UANL 0-1 Southampton