Nadec Blue Star ‘A’ enters SIFF finals

JEDDAH: Nadec Blue Star A entered the Division A final of the 17th Western Union Soccer Championship when they routed four-time champion OTS Cargo ACC 3-0 in the Saudi Indian Football Forum-organized tournament, held at the Education Ministry Stadium, Faisaliyah District, here.
In the Division B semifinal, Blue Star ‘B’ edged past Al-Ryan Water Town Team Strikers by a solitary goal. Captain Riyaz Babu scored the match winner through a spot kick midway through the second half. The evenly balanced encounter could have gone either way as both teams missed several goal scoring opportunities.
Riyaz Babu was the Man-of-the-Semis.
Mr. Qureshi, Niyaz Palakkal and Naushad CT were introduced to the players.
Nadec Blue Star gave an outstanding performance, especially in the second half, and outplayed their rivals in all departments of the game.
Both teams began cautiously. ACC held sway during the first ten minutes. Ahmed Malik, experienced Zaheer and hard working Shahad attacked through the flanks. However, rival goalkeeper rose to the occasions.
Slowly Blue Star controlled the game captain Nizar, Ali Majeed and Baiju controlled midfield. A couple of minutes before the breather Haris gave Blue Star the lead when he tapped over advancing rival goalkeeper Sharafudheen, after he was put through by Nizar.
In the second half Blue Star completely dominated proceedings. Biju doubled the lead when his 35-yard long ranger found the net via a defender.
At the other end, Malik’s powerful carpet drive was saved well by Sirajudheen. Left-winger Majeed completed the rout ten minutes before time when his powerful shot from close left the rival keeper helpless.
Blue Star goalkeeper Sirajudheen was adjudged Man-of-the-Match.
Basheer Chelambra (President Riyadh Indian Football Association), Baby Nilambra (SIFF vice president), Basheer (Soccer Freakz) were introduced to the players.
Earlier, the match between President XI and Secretary XI ended a goalless in the veteran’s league. In the other match Treasurer XI edged past Captain XI by a solitary goal scored by Basheer.
PMA Jaleel, Basheer EFS and Saleh Barami were introduced to the players.
The tournament is sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer, powered by Nokia and Rabea Tea, co-sponsored by JNH Hospital, Badar Al Tamam Poly Clinic and Al Abeer Medical Group in association with VLCC and Zimo.
All finals will be played on Friday, March 28.