JEDDAH, 17 January 2004 — Arabian Soccer set a SIFF-Sadafco Soccer League tournament record by racking up nine goals against Malabar in the First Division of Group-B at the Ministry of Education Stadium here last night. The goals scored were two more than the previous record set in SIFF tournament’s nine-year-old history. In the one-sided game, Malabar were completely outclassed with only two scoring opportunities coming their way.
Winger Bashir Ahmed notched the tournament’s first hat trick to clinch the best player prize. A former Tamil Nadu’s Indian Bank player, Bashir has just lately come to the Kingdom and is based in Riyadh.
He was the darling of the crowd as he exhibited a skilled approach to the game. His speedy jigging runs and fine passing were a treat for the fans. The other goals for Arabian Soccer came from winger Muhammad (2) and one each from Anwar Sadat, Bashir and Omar and Ginesh Babu.
In the two earlier matches played in the Second Division, Blue Star-B beat Al-Salamah Bros 3-0 and Eranad Club downed YAS Club by a solitary goal. In the first match it was easy for Blue Star-B, with man-of-the-match and defender Rafique, striker Hamzat and winger Shabir scoring a goal each.
In the other clash, winger Sajit Babu struck the match-winner for Eranad Club, although the best player prize was won by Chandran for his display beneath the bar. Nisar Saad, in charge of the MOE Stadium was the chief guest and Aslam Cherat the guest of honor. Saudi referees of the day were Muhammad Salim, Yousuf Yaqub and Isaq.
