Last year's runner-up Indonesian International School settled a score with champion International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) with an avenging 2-0 win in the final and bagged the Al-Abeer Trophy in the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here Friday. In two semifinals in other divisions, United Sports Club B knocked out Friday Friends FC in a shootout in Division C and Town Team Strikers overcame Yanbu FC 1-0. 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. The inter-school final failed to rise to the occasion as reigning champion IISJ looked a disjointed unit lacking cohesion, understanding and ideas. Whereas, with excellent ball control Indonesian boys combined like a well-oiled machine. And their key man Husni was at his best. He scored the opener with a brilliant individual effort, fooling a host of defenders and goalkeeper Afnan. He also made a number of assists and walked away with the Player of the Match award. Indonesian boys struck once in each half and both the goals came as gifts from IISJ goalkeeper Afnan who seemed in double mind on both the occasions. Off a counter attack, Husni dribbled forward and came one-on-one with IISJ keeper who advanced and averted the danger initially. But Husni gained the ball and dribbled around in the penalty box and moved away to the top of the box and fired, beating the goalkeeper. Whatever IISJ threw at Indonesian goal was well saved by a sparkling goalkeeper Badur. Indonesians struck again as an IISJ defender and goalkeeper hesitated and Azzam nicely placed the ball in the goal. The C Division semifinal match, which failed to produce a goal in regulation time, was decided by a penalty shootout. United Sports Club B's Mustafa missed a penalty in the first half. Players from both the teams missed spot kicks during shootout. However, United goalkeeper Mohammed Musthafa saved the day for the team, making two saves during shootout. He also won the Player of the Match award. In 15th minute Friends Friday's Yassir Kanikkattil took a tremendous shot after receiving a calculated pass from midfielder Mohammed Junaid, which was brilliantly saved by United keeper. For Friends Friday, hardworking Yakoub played well but did not get enough backing from teammates. In the B Division semis, goalscorer Nisar of Town Team Strikers was named the Player of the Match. Friday's schedule (From 8:30 p.m.): Exhibition matches of SIFF veterans. — SG
