JEDDAH — Helped by two smart saves on one-on-one situations by goalkeeper Subair and brilliant all-round show by Emad, ACC FC B stunned VLCC Blue Star A 1-0 in the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here.
In the other two matches in the Al-Abeer Inter-School Champions League, International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) prevailed over unexpected resistance from Novel International School to win by a solitary goal, while Ahdab International School held a strong Indonesian International School to a goalless draw.
The league championship, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, is mainly sponsored by Rabea Tea and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, TSS Advertising, Fathima Food Stuff, Gamon Group, Kathir Rice, Al-Ryan Polyclinic and Sharafiya Trading.
Experience and an alert goalkeeper were the strength of ACC against a bustling set of Blue Star men. The speedy and tough-tackling match saw a red and 7 yellow cards. As both the teams played an attacking soccer spectators enjoyed the match.
Emad, who was tightly marked by Blue Star defenders, gave them a tough time by changing flanks and shifting positions as the situations warranted. Nisar Koya and Kamaludin were outstanding for Blue Star but they missed chances.
ACC showed better understanding with Waleed joining brothers Emad and Khalid in the second half. While it was a story of missed chances for Blue Star, ACC scored a fine goal. Waleed, receiving the ball in the middle from defender Khalid, passed it to Emad who dribbled through Blue Star defense and lobbed past keeper Siraj. The ball hit the cross bar and bounced back but a watchful Abdul Jaleel headed in to settle the issue. Emad Naser was selected as the Player of the Match.
In the schools division, ISSJ enjoyed a clear edge but failed to convert its superiority into goals. Its midfielders Shabin, Haatim and Afaan coordinated well and forwards Sahal and Akhil were threatening in the offense but missed a number of chances before Sahal beat Novel goalkeeper Abdullah. Shabin was named the Player of the Match.
The casual approach of the Indonesian boys helped Ahdab put up a grim fight and its goalkeeper Abdul Mukthar, who won the Player of the Match, was in outstanding form too.
Friday’s matches (from 8:00 p.m.): Mahad Al-Uloom International School vs. Novel International School (Inter-School); Blasters Combined FC vs. Al-Ajool School Yas Club (B Division); Nirapara Rice BCC FC vs. Nadec Blue Star B (A Division).
