Al Noor Medical YCC, Blue Star ‘B’ enter semifinals

JEDDAH: Al-Noor Medical Center YCC and Blue Star ‘B’ entered the second division football 17th League Championship semifinals, organized by the Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF) at the Education Ministry Stadium, Faisaliyah District, here
In their last Group ‘B’ match, Al-Noor, who needed a draw to qualify, routed BRC 3-0 while in the second match of the day Blue Star rallied to edge past Jeddah Sports Club 3-2 from the same division, Group A .
BRC got off to a good start but missed many goal-scoring opportunities that came their way including a spot kick, which Ishaq failed to convert.
Sameerullah gave YCC the lead against the run of play in the first half, which was doubled by Riyas after the change of ends. Irfan completed the rout when he converted a penalty.
YCC goalkeeper Ali Akbar was adjudged Man-of-the-Match.
Shihab Nilambur (President Jeddah Toast Masters Club), Chemban Abbas & Rasheed Kolathara (OICC Jeddah) and Sultan Sakhi (Indonesian International School) were introduced to the teams.
In the other match, Zaid Moochikal gave JSC an early lead, which was neutralized by a controversial penalty converted by Riyas.
Blue Star were more organized after the change and took the lead through Shihab who put them further ahead a couple minutes later to make it 3-1. JSC refused to give up and reduced the margin five minutes before time through Abdul Kareem.
JSC almost got the equalizer during injury time. However, Blue Star custodian came to his team’s rescue with a brilliant save following a shot by Suhail.
Former India and Kerala footballer (Titanium) Najmudheen, Dr. Ismail Marutheri, Fasil Kanchikoth (Merchandiser Manager Al Jamal Int’l Beauty Co) and Riyaz Pappat (Town Team Strikers) were introduced to the players
In a senior division encounter, promoted ACC ‘B’ routed last year’s A Division runners-up BCC 4-1. BCC complete their engagements without a single point and conceded 9 goals and scored only one. The win help ACC ‘B’ avoid relegation. From this group Blue Star A and Real Kerala FC have reached the last four stage. Muhammed Unoos, Abdul Jaleel, Mohammed Rafeeq and Sinan scored for winners while Mohammed Shali reduced the margin.
Faisal Hamza of ACC ‘B’ was the Man-of-the-Match.
Syed Masoud Ahmed (Principal, International Indian School Jeddah), Abdulla Kazhayikkal (Principal Mahad Al Uloom School), Abdul Kader Mochery (TCF member) and Noufal were introduced to the players.
The 17th league lhampionship is sponsored by Western Union money transfer, powered by Nokia and Rabea Tea, co-sponsered by JNH Hospital, Badar Al Tamam Poly Clinic and Al Abeer Medical Group in association with VLCC and Zimo.

Today’s matches:
4.10 pm: Al Abeer Sharafiya vs Badar Al Tamam United Sports Club (Div. B); 5.30 pm: International Indian school vs Al Wurood Int’l School (semifinal);
6.45 pm: ABC Cargo Real Kerala FC vs Nadec Blue Star A (Div. A); 8.15 pm; OTS ACC A vs Eastern Ernad Club (Div. B).