JEDDAH: In a do or die match in SIFF Rabea Tea Championship A division, Sharafia Trading Zabin FC defeated a fighting Snack Family Restaurant Jeddah Friends 2-0.

Needing victory to keep alive hopes of a place in semifinlas, both teams played attacking football from the get-go.

Zabin FC powered by 3 senior state players and a junior Indian player were defensive in beginning while Jeddah Friends had upper hand in attacks. Jeddah Friends could have been 2 goals ahead had Manaf and Haris not missed golden opportunities in first half. Manaf, Riyas and Haris made number of raids at Zabin FC goalmouth.

State player and scoring machine Suhair was tightly marked and couldn’t do much in beginning. Ashiq Usman initiated almost all counter attacks of Zabin FC and Jijo Joseph combined with him well later. It was Mohammed Aslam of Zabin FC who stole the show among star players with his all-round performance.

Jeddah Friends skipper keeper Faisal Madurakkuzhi was outstanding under bar, unbelievably saved a sure goal when Ashiq Usman dribbled past 4 opponents and fired from inside the box. When Suhair got out from defense wrap, he showed his class and dangerously tested keeper Faisal many times. Jijo fed the ball to Suhair to break deadlock and his beautiful placing defeated keeper Faisal this time 1-0 . Second goal was more classy as Jijo volleyed the ball received from Ashiq to pacing Suhair and within hand reach, Suhair tossed above head of keeper Faisal 2-0. Mohammed Aslam Pulickal for Zabin F.C was named best player and trophy given by Mansoor Feroke.

In SIFF Al Abeer Inter School D division match , Bangladesh International School beat Ahdab School by 3-1.

Ahdab played better in first half and took early lead as their Jismal’s power shot went past Bangladesh keepr Marzook 1-0. Tanveer Ahmed converted a beautiful free kick to equalize 1-1. Bangladesh came back in second half and scored 2 more goals by Tanveer Mehtab 3-1 to ensure team’s place in semifinals. Tanveer Mehtab was selected as best player and received trophy from Sadiq Ali Tuvvur of Media One TV.

In another D division match, International Indian School thrashed Mahd Ul Uloom School by 4-0 and reached the semifinals undefeated.

Indian School scored right in the second minute as last year golden boot winner Akhil Kareem’s beautiful cross from right flank was netted by midfielder Haatim Nazir with a stunning header 1-0. MIS fought well against their strong opponents throughout the game and their keeper Saud and striker Manaf were outstanding. For Indian School, their defense, mainly right flank was shaky while midfielders Shabin Rasheed, Afaan and Haatim Nazir and striker Sahal Zaheer were in superb form again. Sahal scored twice and Shabin completed the tally with a powerful long ranger. Shabin Rasheed was man of the match to receive trophy from Shuhaib of Gulf Madhyamam daily.

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