JEDDAH — Star-studded Sharafia Trading Zabin FC subdued a gritty Snack Family Restaurant Jeddah Friends 2-0 in a do-or-die match in the so-called group of death in A Division of the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here.
In the Al-Abeer Inter-School Champions League, India and Bangladesh schools qualified for the semifinals. International Indian School Jeddah routed Mahd Al-Uloom School 4-0 to emerge unbeaten in the group, while Bangladesh International School defeated Ahdab School 3-1.
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.
In a must-win encounter, both teams played attacking football from the kick-off. Zabin FC powered by three senior Kerala state players and a junior Indian player was defensive in the beginning, while Jeddah Friends took the upper hand and it could have been two goals up had Manaf and Haris not have missed two golden chances. Manaf, Riyas and Haris made a number of raids at Zabin FC goalmouth.
State player and scoring machine Suhair was very tightly marked and hence Ashiq Usman initiated all counter attacks of Zabin, combining well with Jijo Joseph. However, it was Mohammed Aslam Pulickal of Zabin who stole the show with his all-round performance.
Jeddah Friends skipper and keeper Faisal Madurakkuzhi was outstanding under the bar and he denied a sure goal when Ashiq Usman dribbled past four opponents and fired from inside the box. When Suhair slowly excaped from the defensive clutches, he also tested keeper Faisal many a times and broke the deadlock after neatly fed by Jijo. Second goal was more intelligent as Jijo volleyed the ball, received from Ashiq.
Mohammed Aslam Pulickal of Zabin FC was adjudged the Player of the Match.
In the Inter-School D Division, Ahdab played better in the first half and took early lead as Jismal’s powerful shot beat Bangladesh keeper Marzook. However, Tanveer Ahmed scored from a free kick to equalize for Bangladesh. Bangladesh boys came back strongly in the second half and scored twice through Tanveer Mehtab. Tanveer Mehtab was selected as the Player of the Match.
In another match, International Indian School Jeddah scored in the second minute as midfielder Haatim Nazir headed in a beautiful cross from last year’s golden boot winner Akhil. Mahd fought well as its keeper Saud and striker Manaf were outstanding. While Indian School defense looked shaky, its midfielders Shabin Rasheed, Afaan and Haatim Nazir and striker Sahal Zaheer were in fine form. Sahal scored twice and Shabin completed the tally with a powerful long ranger. Shabin Rasheed was named the Player of the Match.
Friday’s matches (from 8:00 p.m.): Indonesian International School vs. Al-Falah DPS International School (Inter-School); Al-Noor International School vs. International Indian School Jeddah (Inter-School); Al-Noor Medical Center Friends Jeddah Junior vs. TSS Advertising Real Kerala FC (A Division).
