JEDDAH, 13 September — Newcomers Bharath Cultural Center (BCC) made a winning start in First Division on the fourth week of the 8th SIFF-Badruddin Soccer 2002 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here last Friday.

Earlier, Asiana Blue moved closer to the semifinals in the Second Division by recording their second straight victory when they prevailed over Yas Club in a boring encounter.

The highlight of the match was a hat trick by the back to back Player of the Match Sadat in the 3-1 victory. In another lackluster Second Division match, ACC B also took another step toward the semifinal from Red Group by notching up their second consecutive win while beating Blue Star B by a solitary goal scored by Ismail off a penalty kick. Incidentally it was the second straight loss for Blue Star B.

The three-month long football tournament, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, is mainly sponsored by Badruddin Medical Group. The co-sponsors are Air-India, Jet Airways, Al-Rayan Polyclinics, Al-Abeer Polyclinics and Rafa Polyclinic.

Though the name BCC looked new to the SIFF tournament, they had a number of experienced players who had made their name in SIFF soccer. However, they proved the saying that, offense is the best defense in a high voltage drama. BCC swung into action soon after the kick-off and rattled an understrength Friends, who are sponsored by JNH Polyclinic.

The winners surprised the famed Hameed and Co in the very first minute when Sayed outpacing the defenders let go a thunderous shot that bounced off the cross bar. However, in the next minute off a measured corner by veteran Basheer, Sayed himself handed BCC the lead with a flying header. It virtually took the sting out of the renowned Friends.

Quite against their history, Friends could not stage a threatening rally after that. Because, the midfield was dominated by Azeezullah and Shiyaz Babu of BCC. While Basheer proved a thorn in the flesh of Friends, Sayed was always threatening. To make things safe for BCC, they had dependable defenders in Saheer and Rasheed.

Veteran Basheer impressed further and his fitness had the better say when he sped through the right flank in the second session and finished with a bang for a 2-0 lead. All throughout the match Friends failed to stand up to make a good fight. They had the best chance to reduce the margin when the rival goalkeepr was out of position but Hamza missed the target. Basheer of BCC was rightly adjudged the Player-of-the-Match.

In Second Division, Asiana from Green Group and ACC B from Red Group are slowly but surely inching their way toward the semifinal. While Sadat stole the show for Asiana with a hat trick, Ali saved Yas’ face by a consolation goal.

In the other match, ACC failed to live upto the expectations. They had impressed very well in their inaugural encounter.

However, hardworking Faisal did his part well with good support from Shajahan. But the honors went to Blue Star goalkeeper Qasim Ali. Though Qasim was beaten by Ismail off a penalty, he stood in the way of ACC for the rest of the match. And he was chosen as the Player of the Match. Razak Pandikad won the Badruddin lucky draw.

The umpires officiated the matches were, Abdul Al-Ghamdi, Salim Abdullah, Hadathullah and Naser. Friday’s matches: Friends vs. Young Challengers, Al-Rai Brothers vs. Al-Salama Brothers and Westar-ACC vs. Sadafco Combined Brothers.