JEDDAH: In the SIFF Rabea Tea Champions League C division match, New Castle boosted its chances of reaching semifinals by defeating a fighting FC Quwaiza. A match with non-stop attacks and counter attacks had the packed crowd to its toes. Right in the 4th minute Quwaiza FC’s Basheer’s marvelous cross from right touchline was headed by Jaleesh Mon, but New Castle goalkeeper Sharafudheen brilliantly saved his team from early shock.

In New Castle’s counter attack, Safwan paced with ball from center of ground before taking a powerful shot to goal. FC Quwaisa goalkeeper Musthafa Pandichare saved at least 6 times including 2 dangerous shots from Safwan. In dying minutes of game Shabeer Ali Poolakkan of New Castle defeated Quwaiza goalkeeper Musthafa Pandichare for the only goal of the match.

Safwan was adjudged as man of the math and trophy was given by Linc Pen Area Manager Ameer Cherukod.

In another C division match, Soccer Freakz Seniors downed Young Challengers by 1-0 and got 3 valuable points. Both teams played safe and defensive throughout, but Soccer Freakz Seniors had slight edge over their opponents.

In 5th minute their forward Shahid Saleem missed a chance to score by placing the ball directly to hands of Young Challenger’s goalkeeper Askar. But then Saleem made for that 20th minute miss by scoring in 39th minute to bag the man of the match trophy given by Abdul Azeez of Rabea Tea.

The win kept Soccer Freakz Seniors in contention for semifinal.

In B division match, Al Ajool School Yas Club defeated Techno Paint United Sports Club by a late 2nd half penalty goal. In 5th minute Al Ajool School Yas Club escaped from a sure goal as Techno Paint United’s Yousuf Ali’s shot was saved by their defender Nisab on goal line.

Al Ajool School Yas’s speedy winger Salman gave number of crosses to Techno Paint United’s penalty box but couldn’t convert. Then Al Ajool School Yas’s Jackson’s ideal corner kick beautifully connected by Sameer defeated Techno Paint United keeper Shafeeq, but the goal was disallowed as linesman raised his flag before for foul.

Both teams raided each other’s territory in first half. Game became rough in 2nd half and 4 players were booked by the referee. Techno Paint United’s Abdul Saleem did superb performance on defense. Al Ajool School Yas’s Salman became gallery’s favorite with his ball control and speedy overlapping from behind to opponent’s penalty area. Jakson Reynold anchored all their moves from the middle. From 9 minutes to final whistle, referee signaled to penalty spot for tough tackling of Techno Paint United defender on Al Ajool School Yas’s forward Kabeer. Al Ajool School Yas’s Captain Jackson beautifully placed the ball in the right corner of the goalpost 1-0. Jackson was named as man of the match and trophy was given by Shareef Arakkal Sales Manager of Al Shareef Cargo.

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

This week’s matches:

C division: Youth India FC vs United Sports Club B

B division: Blasters Combined FC vs Rehab FC Yanbu B division: Makkah Indian FC vs Jeddah FC