JEDDAH — Al-Ryan Blue Star B, Talent Teens, Jeddah Junior XI and Soccer Freaks completed the semifinals lineup in the third Nadec Blue Star Soccer Fest 2016 at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khaled Bin Waleed Street here recently.
Talent Teens and Jeddah Junior XI recorded easy victories to earn their places in the juniors division, while host’s team Al-Ryan Blue Star B experienced a tough time with a gallant Soccer Freaks in the seniors division.
Talent Teens blanked Sporting United B 3-0 as Salmar Umar, Mohammed Afzal and Raheeh Zaman found the target for the winner. Salmar Umar was adjudged the Player of the Match.
In the other one-sided match, Jeddah Junior XI ran over Students India Strikers at 5-1. Player-of-the-Match Mohammed Mukhtar (2) and Najad Mahmood (3) scored for Jeddah XI. Ziad Mohammed Ali reduced the margin for the loser.
The crucial match in the open seniors division between Blue Star B and Soccer Freaks Seniors ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw and Blue Star clinched a spot in the last four on better goal difference.
Soccer Freaks began the match in a whirlwind fashion as its striker Nani Mambad recorded the fastest goal of the tournament. Unfortunately Freaks conceded an own to make honors even.
Hosts then took the lead through Bava Pallissery. But backed by an encouraging crowd Freaks rallied and leveled through a penalty converted by Shahid Ali. Nani Mambad was adjudged the Palyer of the Match.
Friday’s matches (semis):
Sporting United A vs. Soccer Freaks (8:00 p.m.), Jeddah XI Juniors vs. Talent Teens, Sharafiya Trading Zbeen FC vs. Al-Ryan Blue Star B and GT Brand Factor Real Kerala vs.Nadec Blue Star A.
