JEDDAH: Nishad Kolakadan’s late goal helped Real Kerala stun fancied Eastern Ernad Club to enter the final of the 17th Western Union Football Championship Division ‘A’ final, organized by the Saudi Indian Football Forum Championship (SIFF), being held at the Education Ministry Stadium, Faisaliyah District, here.

Both teams played defensive football during the first ten minutes. Thereafter, Real Kerala slowly came into the game and earned two corners, which they failed to take advantage.

Ernad then settled down and had better of the exchanges in midfield. They attacked through the wings. However, strikers Faysal and Safeer failed to convert their opportunities into goals.

At the other end, Jackson and Nishad Kabeer combined well but failed to get past the strong Ernad defense led by Yaser and Shamsudheen.

In the second half both teams try to break the dead lock and in the 63rd minute Jackson’s a well judged curling free kick from left corner of Ernad’s penalty area found Shameel who in turn relyaed the ball to Nishad who failed to put the ball into an empty goal. Ernad never gave up and had another opportunity two minutes before time but Akil missed an easy chance for the equalizer.

Abdul Rauff of Eastern Ernad won the Man-of-the-Match award. Shaji Mon (Gulf Care), Ibrahim Shanad (Madhyamam) and former SIFF President TP Ahmed were introduced to the players.

Earlier in the veteran’s league, a brace by Man-of— the-Match Mansoor enabled Treasurer XI beat Secretary XI by 2-0.

In the another match of the same

category, SIFF President Hifsu Rahman’s goal helped his team get the better of Gen Captain XI. Shabeer of President’s XI was Man-of-the-Match.

Jeddah’s singers, Mashhod Thangal and Abdul Haq along with Shiyas Impala Salah Karadan Kabeer Kondotty were introduced to the players.

The 17th League championship is organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, sponsored by Western Union money transfer, powered by Nokia and Rabea Tea, cosponsored by JNH Hospital, Badar Al Tamam Poly Clinic and Al-Abeer Medical Group in association with VLCC and Zimo Trdg.

Today’s matches

4: 45: pm: Mayas Optical Secretary XI vs President XI; 5: 20: Treasurer X1 vs Gen Captains X1 (Veteran’s soccer).

6.00: Al Ryan Water Town strikers vs Blue Star ‘B’ (Semis Div. ‘B’)

7.30: OTS Cargo ACC vs Nadec Blue Star (Semis Div. ‘A’)