Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Saphire Restaurant Blue Star B and Soccer Freakz Junior entered semifinals in their respective divisions of the 18th SIFF-Eastea Champions League Football Tournament at the Ministry of Education Stadium here recently.
A cautious Blue Star put up a much-improved performance than its earlier match against Town Team and got the better of Makkah Indian FC by a first half goal in Division A. The Makkah FC, which had won the hearts of soccer fans in Jeddah last year, looked a depleted and disjointed lot, especially in the frontline.
Soccer Freakz Junior defeated Barakkah Restaurant Anakish FC 1-0 to earn a berth in the last four from Division D for Under-19 boys. Joshua Antony of Soccer Freakz was adjudged as the Player of the Match.
Blue Star was very watchful from the kickoff and its man-marking was error-free. Whereas a must-win Makkah men who had a brilliant midfielder in Asif lacked strikers in front. Asif controlled the ball nicely and sent brilliant and defense-splitting passes which went in vain. They lacked intelligent strikers who could pounce on many such chances.
A determined Blue Star clicked from the beginning as its midfielders Nissar and a very energetic Shamseer combined very well, backed by a dependable defense. Its Sirajuddin, who is a defender, was floating cunningly in the middle to cut the rival’s moves early. His timing and defensive sense was brilliant.
As expected, Blue Star went one up midway through the first session. It was a neat flowing move. Nissan who looked much in control this time relayed the ball to a speedy Shamseer who in turn sent a through to an onrushing Subair who capped the move with the winning goal.
Makkah worked hard in the second session for an equalizer. Asif was at his best and defender Naufal moved into the attack combining with Asif as an all-rounder but their frontline misfired. To make matters more difficult for them, Blue Star goalkeeper Subair looked dependable and its defense rose to the occasion.
Asif of Makkah FC won the Player of the Match award.
The B Division match between Shams Containers Blue Star A and Young Men FC Friends Jeddah Junior ended in a goalless draw. Friends Junior goalkeeper Mohammed Sainul Abid was selected as the Player of the Match.
Saams Stationaries Youth India FC and Feltron Falcon Thuwal also drew goalless in Division C. Nihal Ameer of Youth India was adjudged as the Player of the Match.
Friday’s matches (from 5 p.m.): Talent Teens Football Academy vs. Soccer Freakz Junior (Div. D); Japan Watches Mahajar FC vs. Ayman Soccer Freakz Seniors (Div. C); Printechs Yas Club vs. Al-Hazmi Newcastle United (Div. B) and Nada Blasters FC vs. Royal Travels Real Kerala FC (Div. A). — SG
