JEDDAH, 20 December 2003 — The three league matches in the SIFF-Sadafco Soccer tournament at the Ministry of Education Stadium were drawn yesterday in front of a capacity crowd.
The lone First Division match between Arabian Soccer and ACC-A proved a veritable goalfest, but honors ended even with the match finishing at 2-2. Earlier, the two 2nd Division matches too were drawn. The first clash between International Indian School-Jeddah and Saudi Milk Combined Bros. ended goalless, and then ACC-B and Blue Star-B played out a 1-1 tie.
The 2nd Division matches were mostly restricted to protracted midfield struggles, with players in both the matches lacking speed and tactics. IISJ’s winger S. Abdul Rahman was adjudged the best player in the first match, while in the second match the best player prize was won by winger Firoz Khan of Blue Star-B, who gave the lead to his team. ACC-B’s Samir scored the equalizer.
The contest between Arabian Soccer and ACC-A was keen and lively. Arabian Soccer did much of the running in the first half and were two goals up by the breather. After dominating the proceedings it was just a matter of time before they scored. They got two in quick succession with both the goals coming from striker Anwar Sadat, who bagged the best player prize. Arabian Soccer was sitting pretty by the break and were expected to sustain their fine flow and also increase the margin after the interval.
In the first half, ACC-A defense was repeatedly called upon to ward off their opponents’ aggressive tactics and though it did a reasonably good job of containing the Arabian Soccer, it did get some help from the midfield. With the midfielders dropping back to assist the defense repeatedly, ACC-A’s offense lacked bite.
Arabian Soccer were further boosted by the presence of three players from Riyadh — striker Mustafa and winger Mohammed, both of whom gave a superb display, and goalkeeper Mujib Rahman, who brought about a number of ‘saves’.
In the second half, however, ACC-A, last year’s finalist, were a changed side. Laying emphasis on short passing, ACC-A turned on the heat by stringing some swift moves.
Their aggression paid dividends late in the session when they finally pierced Arabian Soccer’s defense. With 12 minutes remaining for the final whistle, defender Ashraf narrowed the margin by netting the ball with a long-range shot from the left.
ACC-A, now scenting some chance of saving a point at least, took the attack into the rival’s half and were rewarded with a late equalizer. With the Arabian Soccer citadel swamped by the waves of attack, it finally fell just before the long whistle. Striker Sunil hit home the equalizer by converting an excellent center from a winger. ACC-A could have gone home with full points had their striker Samir proved on mark. The referees were all Saudis — Muhammad Salim (main) and linesmen Yousuf Yaqub and Khalid.
The day’s chief guests were Amro Ismail of Badruddin Polyclinics and K.N.P. Basi of Raymond. Among those who watched the matches were representatives of main sponsor Sadafco, and co-sponsors who included Air-India and Jeddah National Hospital.
League matches will continue next Friday — YAS Club vs Al Salamah Bros. in the 2nd Division, 4.30 p.m., and Al-Doraq Sports vs Blue Star-A in the 1st Division (Group-A), 6 p.m.
