JEDDAH, 11 June 2008 — The American International School of Jeddah soccer field was abuzz with action, attracting swarms of high-spirited high school students and a variety of spectators. Seventy-five female athletes, playing on 10 different Jeddah-based teams, competed with skill and enthusiasm in the 2nd Annual Jeddah Jamboree Girls Six-A-Side Soccer Tournament, sponsored by Saudi Xerox for the second year in a row. The five teams in each of the Under-16 and Open divisions battled for spots in the playoffs.
In the Open division, Danna Zahran’s first half goal was enough for the AISJ Black Tigers to pull out a victory over the Jeddah Jaguars. Goals by Tara Assad and Nora Nezamuddin helped the Black Tigers devour the Foe Fighters 2-0. Jeddah Extreme proved to be extremely dominant by vanquishing the Foe Fighters 5-0 and Conti 6-0. Flush with firepower, Extreme’ s scorers were Noha Shohayeb, Mira Kallab, Briza Bohne, Zoya Farooq and Noor Zaher. Goalkeeper Sarah Moumne earned the shutouts. The Under 16 division, which played their games concurrently on the other half of the field, was equally entertaining. The AISJ Shooting Stars came by their name honorably, by posting a 4-0 victory over Conti Cobras. Mira Kallab scorched the back of the net thrice. The Shooting Stars deflected the Dangerous Divas 1-0 on the strength of Briza Bohne’s goal. Li’l Jags, who went winless in last year’s 5 team Jeddah Jamboree, looked like a force to be reckoned with this year. Li’l Jags withstood the AISJ Warriors 1-0, and then downed the Dangerous Divas 4- 0. Dara Sahab led the way with a hat trick.
Identical 2-0 wins by the Black Tigers over Conti and Jeddah Extreme over Jeddah Jaguars set up the battle of the titans. Both teams, undefeated and unscored upon, had earned the right to play for the Open Division championship. In a high caliber contest, the Jeddah Extreme pressure punctured the Black Tiger’s defense for a 1-0 victory, with Noha notching the goal. In the battle for 3rd place, the Foe Fighters, who had earlier defeated Conti 1-0, lost to Jeddah Jaguars 2-0. Jeddah Extreme captain Briza Bohne, who combined tireless, tenacious defense with dangerous scoring threat, was selected as Open Division Most Valuable Player. Stellar standouts Noha Shohayeb, Noor Zaher, Mira Kallab, Tara Assad, Sally Gazzaz, Nora Nezamuddin, Danna Zahran and goalkeeper Aliyah Khoja made the All-Tournament Team. The Shooting Stars scored 11 goals, while shutting out all 4 of their opponents in the Under-16 Division, to waltz into the championship game. The Conti Cobras edged the Li’l Jags 1-0, to earn a berth as well. The Cobras’ strikes were dangerous, but the Shooting Stars’ brilliance prevailed 1-0. In third place action, the Li’l Jags wounded the Warriors 2-0. Talented Mira Kallab, who led the tournament in scoring, was named Under-16 Division Most Valuable Player. Rounding out the U-16 All-Tournament Team were dynamos Dara Sahab, Rawan Halabi, Alice Clarkson, Briza Bohne and stalwart goalie Tamara Saddik.
In his two years as Jeddah Jamboree Tournament Director, AISJ teacher-coach Brian Bohne has seen a marked improvement in the caliber of girls’ soccer in Jeddah. “Expanded opportunity for the female athlete breeds confidence and capability in sports, as well as other aspects of life,” said Bohne. The dozens of girls from various schools and sports clubs around Jeddah engaged in spirited competition, but seemed to especially enjoy letting their hair down.
