Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Rallying from two early goals Emami Blue Star B fought spiritedly and its perseverance and self belief paid off when it struck twice towards the end, one in injury time, to share four goals and points with ABC Cargo-Real Kerala FC, throwing the First Division Open in the 16th SIFF-Western Union Soccer 2012 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here Friday. The three-month long event is mainly sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Naseem Jeddah Hospital, Jeddah National Hospital and Rose Biriyani Rice. While Group leaders Al-Bassami Friends and second-placed Al-Abeer Medical Group-ACC A have assured their berths in the semifinals, the remaining three teams – BCC, Real Kerala and Blue Star A – have the chance to earn last four berth. In the Second Division match, two cellar teams BRC and Young Challengers Club, broke even with a 1-1 draw. BRC which had lost their two matches, took the lead early through Ummer Saleh and seemed set for earning three vital points. But, YCC hit back through Munzil to share points. Hamzath of YCC was adjudged as the Player of the Match. In between, SIFF provided a platform for budding stars by beginning a separate tournament for kids. In the opening match, Sporting United Jeddah Club, which is being trained by Rasheed Alikkal and sponsored by Naseem Plyclinic Jeddah, proved too good for the Rafeeque-trained Jeddah Sports Club boys, by winning 5-0. Akhil and Nashid scored two goals each and the Player of the Match Renid completed the tally. Short-handed ABC-Real Kerala, which had only a playing 11 without substitutes, stunned the rivals and won the hearts of the crowd by scoring a beautiful goal in the second minute when Ashraf Mohammed headed in a neat free kick by Althaf Rahman. Blue Star really took time to regroup and when it slowly started dictating terms Real Kerala struck again due to a goakeeping blunder by Blue Star custodian Unneenkutty, who is normally a reliable man under the bar. As Blue Star started searching for an equalizer the whole team pressed forward, including the goalkeeper. Sensing the chance, Mohammed Nassir intelligently sent a long ball from the center and Unneenkutty stood where he was thinking that he was well positioned. But the ball just bounced yards in front of him and sailed over into the goal. However, the spirit of Blue Star prevailed at last as Real Kerala had to manage with the same XI whereas Blue Start utilized all the substitutions. After Niaz reduced the margin towards the end, Sheikh Shameer fired in the equalizer in the injury time. Real Kerala defender Ashraf Mohammed, who scored the opening goal and almost withstood the rival's attacks, was adjudged as the Player of the Match. Friday's matches: 4:30 P.M. – ACC-B vs. IISJ; 6:00 P.M. – ABC Cargo-Yas Club vs. United Sports Club; 7.30 P.M. – Emami Blue Star B vs. Combined Brothers.
