New Castle, Soccer Freakz Seniors and Al-Ajool School Yas Club improved their positions in their respective groups by recording victories in the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League Football, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here. In C Division matches, Newcastle defeated FC Qawaiza 1-0 and Soccer Freakz Seniors edged Young Challengers 1-0, while Al-Ajool School Yas Club got the better of Techno Paint United Sports Club 1-0 in Division B. The league championship is mainly sponsored by Rabea Tea and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, TSS Advertising, Fathima Food Stuff, Gamon Group, Kathir Rice, Al-Ryan Polyclinic and Sharafiya Trading. New Castle and FC Quwaiza match was very lively throughout. Both the goalkeepers — New Castle's Sharafudheen and Quwaiza's Musthafa Pandichare — were kept busy by rival forwards. Pandichare saved Quwaiza at least 6 times, including two dangerous shots from Safwan. However, Shabeer Ali Poolakkan of New Castle ended his resistance toward the end of the match to earn three points for New Castle. Safwan of New Castle was adjudged the Player of the Match. Soccer Freakz Seniors and Young Challengers resorted to a safe and defensive game as Soccer Freakz enjoyed a slight edge. After missing a golden chance in the 5th minute striker Shahid Saleem scored in the 39th minute and bagged the Player of the Match trophy. In a tough and rough B Division match, Al Ajool School Yas Club had to wait toward the close to subdue Techno Paint United Sports Club on a penalty goal. Yas Club's defender Nisab made a goalline save early in the first half. After a neat corner kick by Jackson was beautifully connected by Sameer for Yas and the goal was disallowed for a foul, the game turned a bit rough. The referee had to flash the yellow several times to restore order. Yas' Salman stole the show by his ball control and speedy run from behind to opponent's penalty area. Jakson Reynold anchored Yas' moves from the middle and he converted the penalty. He was rightly named the Player of the Match. Friday's matches: Youth India FC vs. United Sports Club B (C Division), Blasters Combined FC vs. Rehab FC Yanbu (B Division) and MakkahIndian FC vs. Jeddah FC (B Division).
