JEDDAH, 27 December 2003 — Al-Doraq Sports scored a 2-0 victory over Blue Star-A in the 1st Division Group-A match in the SIFF-Sadafco Soccer league at the Ministry of Education Stadium here yesterday. In an earlier 2nd Division match, which was keenly contested, Al Salamah Bros. won against YAS Club by a solitary goal. Defender Ashiq Mon of Al Salamah converted an excellent pass from the flank to give his side the vital lead in the first half of the match. Striker Mustafa of Al Salamah was adjudged the best player.
Last year’s runners-up Al-Doraq, as expected, won the 1st Division clash. Blue Star-A wasted a number of chances and could not break their opponent’s defense. Winger Shah Nawaz, who won the best player prize, scored both goals for Al-Doraq, scoring on the either side of the interval. Blue Star A players had a few opportunities in the first half, but their efforts foundered on the stout Al-Doraq defense.
Al-Doraq’s defenders and goalkeeper Abdul Salam stood out in thwarting Blue Star-A, especially in the second half.
The first goal from Shah Nawaz was a long-range effort. A high lob from defender Najeeb was neatly collected by winger Shakoor, who passed to striker Shahul. Shahul quickly found a racing Najeeb, who used the space well before essaying a clinical pass to Shah Nawaz, who pounded the ball home. Blue Star’s Captain Moosa was the pick of the team but was rendered ineffective as he did not get enough support from his teammates. Shah Nawaz was again on target and that effectively sealed Blue Star A’s fate.
Referees for the day were Muhammad Salim and Yusuf Yaqub, both Saudis, and guests of honor were sports journalist K.O. Paulson and Papetta Kunju Mohamed, a former Calicut University player.
Fixtures for next Friday: 2nd Division — MES vs Eranad Club, 3.30 p.m., Young Challengers vs IISJ, 4.30 p.m.; 1st Division — Friends vs ACC-A, 6 p.m.
