JEDDAH, 25 August — Last year’s tournament champions, Asiana Yellow, went down fighting against Blue Star-A by a solitary goal in a keenly contested A division match of the SIFF-SADAFCO Soccer 2001 league at the Ministry of Education Stadium last evening. A fixture in the B division played earlier between Al-Salama Brothers and Blue Star-B ended in a goalless draw.
Asiana Yellow’s strikers and wingers wasted a number of chances for the equalizer toward the closing stages of the game, which was also marred by an ugly incident in which Omar of Asiana and Alimon of Blue Star were shown red card by referee Yousuf Howsawi and sent out of the ground.
Striker Adil Nemat, who captained the International Indian School-Jeddah’s team at the tournament last year, now playing for Asiana Yellow made some excellent moves and exhibited passing skills but all his attempts were frustrated by his teammates who fumbled while netting the ball. On one occasion defender Zubair was close to netting the ball but he deflected the ball well above the goal post. Asiana’s striker Majeed, and wingers Tajuddin and Abdul Rahman lost similar opportunities. Tajuddin was then playing as a substitute.
Likewise striker Safeer missed a couple of chances to score for Blue Star-A. However, halfway through the second half Blue Star-A was lucky to get the vital lead when the ball slipped out of Asiana goalkeeper Majeed’s hands and striker Anis Babu found the net wide open to send the ball in.
Striker Abdul Rahman of Asiana yellow, the best player of the match, received his prize from chief guest V.V. Varghese of Saudi Cable and India Forum.
In the first match winger Moyeen of Al-Salama, failed to get the lead in the 17th minute when his attempt to net the ball was foiled by Blue Star goalkeeper Kassam Ali. Blue Star defender and captain Yahya gave an outstanding display and kept complete control of defense. A bicycle shot by Abu of Blue Star drew all-round applause, although Al-Salama goalkeeper Abdul Gafoor neatly collected the ball.
Chief guests Mohan Balan of ARCOMA and Venkat Krishnan of Jotun congratulated defender Sasidas of Al-Salama, who was declared the best player of the match. Muhammad Salim was the referee of the match. Three matches will be played in the league next Friday: Ryan Arts & Sports vs ACC-B, Malabar Sports vs Al-Rai Brothers, and Asian Soccer vs. Hyderabad XI.
