K.O. Paulson
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Goalkeepers made the proceedings lively and thrilling during the second week of the 18th SIFF-Rabea Champions League, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here Friday.
After two Division C matches which were settled by 1-0 decisions, the Division B match between last year’s semifinalist Town Team Strikers and debutant Makkah FC set the tournament alight with fast and attacking soccer which brought the best from rival goalkeepers, making the soccer-crazy weekend crowd happy.
Makkah goalkeeper Mohammed Rafi, who made more spectacular saves, won the Player of the Match award, while Faisal, who saved the day for the experienced Town Team, earned kudos from the crowd.
Newcomers from Makkah made their presence felt in the tourney with their speed and fitness. Attacking moves were aplenty as both the teams never bothered to relax and went home sharing honors and points after a goalless draw.
The league championship 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.
Earlier, Friday Friends FC earned valuable three points by beating Young Challengers by a solitary goal, scored by Faiz Shoukath in the second half. Young Challengers made some good moves and tried their best for an equalizer but Friday FC goalkeeper Junaid denied them. Yassir Kannakam of Friday Friends was adjudged Player of the Match.
In a defense-oriented second C Division match, United Sports Club B defeated Quwaiza FC by a brilliant goal scored in the 43rd minute. Wing back Abdul Salam ran through the right and connected Jamshed who in turn lobbed the ball to an onrushing Mohammed Rafi to volley home powerfully, keeping the Quwaiza goalkeeper Mustafa rooted. Rafi was named the Player of the Match.
Friday’s matches:
Soccer Freakz Seniors vs. Blue Star Seniors (8:00 p.m.); Jeddah FC vs. Falcon FC (9.05 p.m.); Al-Ajool Int’l School Yas vs. Rehab FC Yanbu (10.10 p.m.).
