Champion Real Kerala FC underlined its supremacy by making short work of Nirapara BCC FC 3-1 in an A Division match of the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here. New Castle FC held United Sports Club B 1-1 to keep its hopes alive for the semifinals in C Division. With two wins and a draw United has already made it into the last four. Earlier in the Al-Abeer Inter-School Champions League, DPS International School and Ahdab International School shared two goals and points. The league championship, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, 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. Star-studded Real Kerala with Titanium's Samanathul Nasreen, SBT's Sanooj, Muad, Nishad Kolakkadan, Ramees and goalkeeper Shoaib enjoyed a clear edge over BCC. A re-inforced BCC, however, failed to combine as a team. The match saw one of the best goals of tournament when Real Kerala striker Imbichahamed's powerful shot bunging the net in a flash. BCC equalized through a penalty by Niyas (1-1). Real wrested the lead soon after as Fahd Sulfi headed home a brilliant free kick from Siraj (2-1). In the second half, a solo from speedy winger Nishad was saved by BCC's goalkeeper Shafeeq. Samanath converted Muad's through pass to complete the tally. Real Kerala's Imbichahamed was named Player of the Match. The C Division decider rose to the expected level as both teams were engaged in a fast game. United Sports tested New Castle goalkeeper Sharafuddheen a number of times. Musthafa, Mohammed Rafi and Anees cracked fine shots for United. Goalkeeper Sharafuddheen's hard tackle earned him a red card and Mohammed Rafi made it 1-0 for United. New Castle played better in the second half with 10 men. A powerful long shot from Mansoor Ali earned it the equalizer and a lifeline for the semis. Mohammed Ali Pottamal of United was adjudged the Player of the Match. In the schools' match, Ahdab played very well in the first half and Adil Ahmed put it one up. In second half DPS bounced back and Azeem equalized. Azeem was named Player of the Match. Friday's matches: Al-Noor vs. Novel (Inter-School), Makkah Indian FC vs. Falcon FC Thuval (C Division) and Blue Star A vs. Friends (A Division).
