JEDDAH: The Saudi Indian Football Forum 20th anniversary tournament dubbed SIFF-Rabea Champions League had 3 matches in which Friday Friends and United Sports Club B Jeddah posted victories while newcomer Makkah Indian FC held last year’s semifinalist Town Team Strikers to a draw with stunning performance.

In the first match, Young Challengers made few good moves to goal, but brilliant saves by Friday FC goalkeeper Junaid denied them goals. In the second half Friday FC had upper hand and attacked YCC defense line from the beginning. In 40th minute of the period Faiz Shoukath Ali scored the winning goal and Friday FC bagged valuable 3 points in C division . Yassir Kannakam of Friday FC was player of the match and Ali Koshani of New Gulail Polyclinic handed over the trophy.

In the second match in C division, United Sports Club B and FC Quwaiza played defensively in the first half. Match became rough and 3 players were cautioned by referee. United had upper hand in the match. In 43rd minute they scored a brilliant goal. Wing back Abdul Salam overlapped through right touchline and crossed to midfielder Jamsheed who brilliantly passed to unmarked Mohammed Rafi, sprinting all the way and, with a wonderful volley he defeated Quwaiza goalkeeper Musthafa 1-0. It was one of the best goals of the tournament so far. Quwaiza tried to equalize but its forward couldn’t convert chances to goal. Mohammed Rafi of United Sports was adjudged as man of the match and prize was given by Mohammed Ali (MSS).

Third match of the day in B division was a soccer feast for packed crowd. Both teams raided each other’s goal areas frequently and the match was and fast-paced from beginning to end. In 7th minute a bullet shot by Nistar Ali was saved by Makkah goalkeeper Mohammed Rafi with an unbelievable full length dive. Debutant Makkah team shocked Town Team Strikers with fighting spirit, counter attack and pace. In second half , Town Strikers defense line was shaken by unrelenting attacks by Makkah FC. But Strikers came back in the game slowly and both goalkeepers were kept busy. Spectators enjoyed the match minute by minute. Makkah goalkeeper Mohammed Rafi who saved at least 6 goals brilliantly was named man of the match and Kabeer Kondotty from Thejas Daily presented the award.

Rabea Tea is the main sponsor of tournament with Al Abeer Medical group, Jeddah National Hospital, VLCC, TSS, Fathima Supermarket, Gamon Group, Kathir Rice, AlRayan Int’l Polyclinc and Sharafia Trading as co-sponsors.