JEDDAH: In a thrilling match, ACC FC– B defeated last year’s runner-up VLCC Blue Star A and reduced the gap in the race for semifinal berth in SIFF Rabea Champions League.

A speedy and hard tackling tough match with a red card and 7 yellow cards kept spectators on their toes. VLCC Blue Star’s Nisar Koya came close to scoring in the very 4th minute, but his shot was weak to beat ACC FC-B goalkeeper Subair.

In a move from behind, Jafar lobbed the ball to speedy striker Emad Naser who dribbled past 2 defenders but Khalid couldn’t connect his pass.

Emad who was tightly marked by VLCC Blue Star-A defense and has to change flanks frequently. VLCC Blue Star missed another chance as ACC FC-B keeper Subair who was in superb form under bar brilliantly snatched the ball from Nisar Koya’s leg to save a sure goal. Again, VLCC Blue Star’s Kamaludin’s shot was saved by Subair with an outstanding reflex. Shifting VLCC Blue Star’s overlapping winger Baiju Ullattil to stopper position proved failure again.

Game changed in ACC’s favor when Waleed came in and brothers’ trio Emad, Khalid and Waleed created panic in Blue Star penalty area. Whenever Emad received ball, it became a dangerous move in front of VLCC Blue Star goalmouth. In second half VLCC Blue Star’s Rajeesh missed another opportunity. ACC scored a beautiful goal then, as Waleed received ball from Khalid and passed to Emad who dribbled through VLCC Blue Star defense line and lobed the ball above keeper Siraj. Ball hit the bar and bounced back but headed in by watchful Abdul Jaleel 1-0. Emad Naser was selected as player of the match and received trophy from V. K. Rauf.

In SIFF Al Abeer Inter School match, International Indian School faced unexpected resistance from Novel International School in a 1-0 victory. Indian School forward were not up to mark while their midfielders, Shabin, Haatim and Afaan, coordinated well and initiated most of their moves. Game dominated by Indian School and their forward Sahal and Akhil missed number of goal chances before Sahal netted in (1-0) past Novel Keeper Abdullah. Shabin was man of the match and received trophy from Rashid Alikkal.

In another D division match, Ahdab International School held Indonesian International School to goalless draw. Indonesians spearheads Ansari and Husni failed to utilize chances and Ahdab keeper Abdul Mukthar was in outstanding form. Ahmed Muktar was adjusted as man of the match and trophy received from T. P. Shoaib, Managing Director of Alrayan International Poly Clinic.

Rabea Tea is the main sponsor of the tournament with Al Abeer Medical group, Jeddah National Hospital, VLCC, TSS, Sharafiya Trading, Fathima Supermarket, Vitamine Pokka , Kathir Rice, and AlRayan Polyclinic as co-sponsors.