By Mujeeb Kalathil

DAMMAM — The USG Boral Soccer 2017 tournament, organized by Al-Khobar United FC as part of its 9th year anniversary celebrations, began at the Qadissiya floodlit stadium in Rakka.

The inaugural ceremony started with last year’s USG Boral Soccer champion Khalidiya Sports Club bringing the trophy to the stadium. The trophy was carried by club captain Yusuf Cherpulassery, vice captain Jaffer Chelari and team manager Prasanth. Wael Zeaiter formally inaugurated the function. Chief guest Dr. Ertan Tufekchiyolo, former player of Galath Club of Turkey, appreciated the organizers for conducting such football tournaments for expatriates here. Prominent guests who graced the ceremony were Jaseed Ali, Thomas Thaiparambil, Dr. Abdul Salam, Rafeeq Kootilanghadi, Rasheed Ummer, TPM Fasal, Biju Kallumala, MA Wahid, Raju K Lukkas, EM Kabeer, Mohamed Najathi, Najeem Bashir, Sunil Mohamed, Shafeek CK, Musthafa Pavayil, Nasar Andona, Shabeer Hassan Yanbu, Shareef Melattoor, Abdul Ali Kalathinghal, Abdul Jabbar Kozhikkode, C Abdul Razack, Sakeer Vallakadavu, Riyas Parali and Mani Pathiripala. Najeeb Aranhikkal was the master of ceremonies.

In the inaugural match, a powerful Subaei Trading Corniche Soccer Club drubbed Young Star Toyota 4-0. Nizam Kalpetta opened the scoring and Nisam Wayanad completed the tally, firing a spectacular hat rick.

FSN Travels Malabar UFC won the second match against Dimah Tissue Qatif Club 5-1. Malabar UFC took the lead through captain Wasil off a freekick. Suhair then struck twice, while Abid and Sinan sealed the victory. The consolation goal of Qatif Club came from a spot kick, converted by Shafeeq.

The Man of the Match award winners, Nizam (Corniche Club) and Suhail (Malabar UFC), received trophies and gifts.

The final is scheduled for Nov. 24. The champion will get USG Boral Trophy and the runner-up will bag Raiban Travels and Trade Link Trophy.

The organizing committee included Shareef Manoor, Raheem Alanallor, Noushad Alnalloor, Ashraf Thalappuzha and Shabeer Akkod.