JEDDAH — Champion Real Kerala FC and Indonesian International School earned semifinal berths in their respective sections, while International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) completed its league games and remained unbeaten without conceding a goal in the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here.
Real Kerala drubbed Friends Jeddah Junior 4-2 in A Division, while in the Al-Abeer Inter-School Champions League, Indonesian School defeated Al-Falah DPS 1-0 and IISJ outplayed Al-Noor School 3-0.
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.
The Real Kerala and Friends Jeddah Junior match was highlighted by superb goalkeeping by Friends keeper Sainul Abid who made several stunning saves. Real Kerala took lead in the 10th minute when Sanooj converted a penalty. Jeddah Friends fought well and equalized, also through a penalty by Nakash. But Real wrested the lead again when Nishad Kolakkadan moved through the right end-line and crossed to Siraj who headed for Sanooj to apply the finishing touches by a beautiful header. Minutes later, Imbichahammed increased the tally to 3-1 and Real Kerala went for the break, making made it 4-1 through Samanath, again nicely fed by Nishad.
Friends fought back in the second half and reduced the deficit to 2-4 through Niyas Thachampadam. Goalkeeper Sainul of Friends was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Earlier, Indonesian School dominated Al-Falah which managed to restrict its rival to a solitary goal victory. The all-important goal was scored by midfielder Ansari. Another Indonesian School midfielder Ziad, who stole the show with his brilliant all-round performance, was named the Player of the Match.
In the other inter-school match, despite a gritty fight by Al-Noor, IISJ continued its unbeaten run without conceding a goal. IISJ player Fawaz Ismail, who died in an accident after the match, had scored two goals. Haatim Nazir, who also found the target for IISJ, was selected as the Player of the Match.
Friday’s matches (from 8:00 p.m.): Friday Friends FC vs. Soccer Freakz (C Division); Town Team Strikers vs. Jeddah FC (B Division); Snack Family Restaurant Friends Jeddah FC vs. ACC FC B (A Division).
