Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — A foul at a wrong place and at a wrong time and a resultant brilliant freekick midway through the second session turned a closely-fought Division A game upside town, enabling Friends Jeddah knock out two-time champion Real Kerala (4-2) from the 18th SIFF-Eastea Champions League Football Tournament at the Ministry of Education Stadium here recently.
An evenly-balanced game with the score tied at 1-1 suddenly changed when Real Kerala’s defender Siraj earned a second yellow on top of their penalty box and left the game. Friends defender Mohammed Enas, a Calicut University player who by this time had proved his worth with a confident game and a successful penalty, stepped forward to take the freekick. His inch-perfect cracking shot beat the defensive wall and the ball hit the upright and then bounced in off a stunned keeper to make it 2-1 for Friends who have been missing nice chances minutes before.
With one man short Real struggled and the spirited Friends applied more pressure to pump in two more goals in quick succession through Bujair and Manaf.
The eagerly-awaited game, which was a must-win affair for Real Kerala, began with reigning champion in full vigor. Nishad Kolakkaden, who is affectionately called “Kuttan” was determined to do something. His teammates Sanuj, Shanavaz, Rameez and captain Ashraf joined together and as expected Real Kerala struck in the 7th minute through Nishad.
With the services of two Calicut University players, Enas and Bujair, Friends hit back to make the game thrilling for a record crowd. Manaf worked hard in the midfield. Friends pressure won them a penalty and Enas cooly converted it to restore parity.
The second session too was hectic with both the teams attacking. However, the exit of Siraj tilted the game toward Friends.
The reigning champion Real Kerala, steered by Rameez and Nishad, still fought well and reduced the margin to 4-2 through Shinaz.
Mohammed Enas of Friends was adjudged the Player of the Match.
With this win Friends topped the group and stormed into the semifinals with second-placed Zabin FC.
Mahajar FC made it into the semifinals in Division C by beating United Sports Club B through a lone goal scored by Aboobaker. Naufal Chukkar won the Player of the Match award.
In another match, Falcon FC Thooval blanked Blue Star Seniors 2-0. Anup Abdul Majeed and Player of the Match Ajmal Ali scored for the winner.
Newcastle FC and Blue Star A shared two goals in a B Division match. Mohammed Ashiq and Naufal were the scorers. Mohammed Ashiq won the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Makkah BCC and ACC B drew 1-1. Sayed Nasser found the target for ACC, while NIshad scored for Makkah BCC. Nishad Veerankutty was selected as the Player of the Match.
Friday’s matches (From 5:00 p.m.): Ayman Soccer Freakz Seniors vs. Eman Bakery Young Challengers (Div. C); Young Men’s FC Friends Jeddah vs. Rose Biriyani Rice Jeddah FC (Div. B); Rehab FC Yanbu vs. United Sports Club A (Div. B) and Bahi Burger Town Team Strikers vs. Makkah Indian FC (Div. A).
