After weeks of narrow wins and dull draws, goals were aplenty as MakkahIndian FC stole the show in the fifth week matches of the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League Football, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here. A reinforced Division B newcomer Makkah FC put up a sparkling show by blowing away Jeddah FC at a tennis score of 6-3. Earlier, United Sports Club B edged Youth India FC 1-0 in Division C, while Blasters Combined and Rehab FC Yanbu drew 1-1 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. After strikers from both the teams missed chance after chance, United Sports Club struck with just three minutes left for the final whistle. Jafeer took a powerful shot from outside the box and striker Mohammed Rafi back-heeled the ball into the goal to earn three points. Mohammed Ali of Youth India was named the Player of the Match. In the second match, Blasters Combined and Rehab FC Yanbu shared the spoils. Blasters dominated the first half as playmaker Badarudhin created plenty of moves and gave accurate passes to his forwards. In the second half, Badarudhin lobbed the ball to substitute Mohammed Fahis and his instant shot on the run beat Yanbu goalkeeper Mohammed Shafi. Rashin Jaleel equalized for Rehab FC. Badarudhin was adjudged the Player of the Match. The inclusion of Mohammed Rasi and Naufal changed the complexion of Makkah FC. Rasi, who anchored the game from the middle, was behind almost all its moves, while Naufal was unstoppable in front. The match was not as one-sided as the scoresheet shows. Though beaten badly, Jeddah FC fought spiritedly till the final whistle. Makkah took an early lead when a corner kick of Naseer Nalukandi landed in the goal. Within two minutes Jeddah FC equalized through Ameer Madathil and led 2-1 when midfielder Mohammed Suhail struck. But Siddiq made it 2-2 for Makkah, which soon stormed to 4-2 as Naseer and Siddiq scored. A solo goal by Mohammed Naufal helped Makkah go for the break with a 5-2 lead. Saleem Abdurahman completed the tally for Makkah in the second session. Jeddah FC, however, stayed hot as Shihabudhin dribbled past three Makkah defenders to beat goalkeeper Mohammed Rafi and reduce the margin to 3-6. Mohammed Naufal of Makkah FC was named the Player of the Match. A waterlogged ground has forced the organizers to postpone this Friday's matches to next Friday.
