JEDDAH, 3 January 2003 — Friends went down fighting against ACC-A in the First Division Group-B match in the ongoing SIFF-Sadafco Soccer league at the Ministry of Education Stadium here last night.

Friends managed to narrow the half-time 2-1 deficit but failed in their efforts to gain the equalizer despite a couple of good chances and they were beaten by the odd goal in the three.

Defender Sameer of ACC-A, who scored both the goals — the second one neatly deflecting into the net, won the man of the match prize. His second goal stunned Friends’ goalkeeper Hamza, who was left stranded as Sameer’s angled effort steamed into the goal.

The match looked equally balanced in the first half, although ACC-A’s Sameer netted the goals in the 20th and 30th minutes. Friends looked dominant in the second half and narrowed the lead when Mohamed Unni converted a penalty 12 minutes before close. Then winger Shahul Amin looked two easy gilt-edged chances and Friends were left ruing the golden opportunities in the end.

In the two Second Division matches played earlier, the match between Young Challengers and International Indian School-Jeddah (IISJ) ended in a goalless draw. The match was keenly fought with both teams struggling to get an edge over the other. IISJ’s defender Shabil failed to cash in on a 17th minute penalty. The school’s defender Yakoob was the man of the match.

In the other match, Eranad Club defeated MES 4-2 in an one-sided match. Eranad Club’s Sajeed Babu received the man-of-the-match prize for scoring two goals. Winger Abdul Basheer scored the other two goals for the team. Winger Abdul Nasser and defender Sebasto Fernandes scored both the goals for MES.

Ironically, the first goal was scored by MES within minutes of the start. Eranad Club scored the equalizer in the 18th minute, and within the next 10 minutes got its second goal. The score at half-time was 3-2 in favor of Eranad Club.

T.P. Shuhaib of Al-Ryan Clinic Rehabilitation & Fitness Center, was the chief guest. Yousuf Yakub, Isaq and Mohamed Saleem were the referees.

Fixtures for next Friday (Jan. 9): Asiana Yellow vs Combined Bros. (2nd Division), 4 p.m.; Asian Soccer vs Blue Star-A (1st Division), 5 p.m.