JEDDAH — Packed galleries relished three thrilling SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League matches here recently.
In the first match, Indonesian International School crushed Bangladesh International School 5-0 in the Al-Abeer Inter-School Champions League.
Bangladesh was no match for Indonesia, which dominated the game. Indonesia, last year’s finalist, missed a few chances in beginning but started the rout in the 10th minute through stylish midfielder Ansari. He went on to score the tournament’s first hat trick.
Husni and Ziad also hit the target to complete the landslide win. Bangladesh missed an opportunity to reduce the margin when Indonesia goalkeeper Badur brilliantly saved Tanweer’s shot from the spot. Ansari was named Player of the Match and received the trophy from Mohammed Ali Chundakkadan (Islahi Center).
In C Division, Blue Star Seniors blanked classy Friday FC 3-0. Friday FC had an upper hand with perfect passing and playmaking in the first half. Blue Star, however, went one up when Saheer Bava brilliantly defeated Friday FC keeper Junaid on a defense-piercing pass from Jassir. Fasil made it 2-0 from an assist by Saheer Bava in the third minute of the second half.
Friday lost a man to red card when defender Irfan got his marching orders for a dangerous tackle from behind. Fasil made the most of the Irfan’s absence when he completed his brace in the 12th minute.
Fasil Cholayil was adjudged the Player of the Match and received the trophy from Abdullah Kazhayikkal of Mahd Al-Uloom International School. In the B Division encounter, Town Team Strikers defeated a fighting Falcon FC Tuwwal 5-2.
Rasik gave Town Team the lead early and Shihabudheen’s running shot made it 2-0 in the 20th minute. Sanjeed helped Falcon reduce the margin five minutes later from the spot after Town Team Strikers’ keeper Faisal fouled Sabith.
Falcons returned after the break with renewed vigor and Abdul Jabar level the scores at 2-2 with a 40-meter free kick. But Town Team went ahead the next minute through Rasik’s solo effort to make it 3-2. Nisthar added the fourth from the spot, while Rasik completed his hat trick by overcoming Falcon’s keeper Radha Krishnan just before time.
Rasik Puthyathodi received Player of the Match trophy from Middle East VLCC officials Ajith Kumar, sales director, and Pradeep Kumar, marketing manager, along with Sharafudheen Kayamkulam of OICC Jeddah.
The league championship is mainly sponsored by Rabea Tea and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, VLCC, TSS, Sharafiya Trading, Fathima Supermarket, Gamon Group, Kathir Rice, Al-Rayan Polyclinic and Badar Tamam. The tournament is organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF).
Friday’s matches:
Al-Noor Int’l School vs. Mahd Al-Uloom Int’l School (8:00 p.m.); Techno Paints United Sports Club-A vs. Rehab FC Yanbu (9:05 p.m.); Sharafiya Trading Al-Zabin FC vs. ACC FC-B (10:10 p.m.).
