RIYADH — ECU Line Saudi Arabia United FC thrashed Jareer Medical Youth India 5-1 and entered the semifinals of the Riyadh Villas Cup 8th Keli Football Tournament at the International Football Academy Stadium here.
In an interesting match, United FC — fielding university, KSEB and Central Excise players from the Indian state of Kerala — dominated the match. However, quite against the run of play Sharafudeen scored in the 14th minute for Youth India. United FC equalized through Central Excise star Noufal in the 19th minute.
Thereafter, it was all United FC as Nishad scored a hat trick and Noufal completed the tally.
Earlier, Lantern FC defeated Royal Riyadh Soccer 2-1. However, both the teams have failed to qualify for the semifinals. The teams which have joined United FC in the semifinals are Chaliyar Rainbow Soccer, Shifa Al-Jazeera Azeezia Soccer, Safeco and Arafa Gold Kondotty Real Kerala.
Nishad of United FC and Bushair of Lantern FC were adjudged best players of the games.
Prior to the match, players were introduced to Balanchandran, chairman of NRK Forum and other guests. Semifinal matches will start at 6:00 p.m. Friday.
