[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="IISJAA-IFPL brings out upsets again" ids="104256,104257,104252,104253,104254,104255"] JEDDAH — IISJAA Football Premier League (IFPL), organized by International Indian School Jeddah Alumni Association, mainly sponsored by Saudi Gazette with SMS Solutions, FRiENDi, Indomie, Digital Ways, Mix FM and Giordano as co-sponsors, continued to produce upset results at the Kaki Ground in Khalidiyah here. Catalonia came from behind to grab the second spot behind FC Spartans, who maintained their top position for the fourth week. Catalonia charged into the top bracket by thrashing FC Brotherz 7-2 and blanking FC Bavarians 9-0. The winner was at its best in both the matches and displayed good strategic play. However, it was its cool-headed attitude that was missing in the previous games that allowed it to focus and earn stunning results. Aboudi Bawazir and Mir Shahbaz Hashmi were their Players of the Matches. Never United's both matches this week saw some rough tackles. Games against EFS FC and FC Brotherz turned rough and the referees were compelled to flash the red cards. EFS FC managed to earn a draw despite playing most of the second half with one player less. Whereas FC Brotherz who also seemed close to managing a draw after putting up a tough fight lost the game toward the end. Table topper Spartans continued their march and they didn't miss a beat in their rhythm and style while thrashing Desi Starz 11-0 and then posting the tournament's biggest score till date, beating FC Legends 16-0. Spartans stay top with 21 points from 7 games, a clear 5-point lead over Catalonia (16 from 8 games). While some teams are fighting hard to win and earn laurels, some are outstanding in their spirit. FC Legends consisting of star alumni players who are into their mid or late 40's, are competing against players in their early and mid 20's. Thursday's results: FC Bavarians drew with Gladiatorz 1-1. Man of the Match: Omer Iqbal of FC Bavarians. Catalonia beat FC Brotherz 7-2. Man of the Match: Abdou Bawazir of Catalonia. Friends United defeated FC Legends 4-0. Man of the Match: Syed Abdul Hameed of Friends United. Never United drew with EFS FC 2-2. Man of the Match: Tasharuf Abu Inaya of Never United. Spartans thrashed Desi Starz 11-0. Man of the Match: Nooh Ismail of FC Spartans. Saturday's results: FC Bavarians lost to Catalonia 0-9. Man of the Match: Mir Shahbaz Hashmi of Catalonia. Friends United beat Gladiators 2-1. Man of the Match: Syed M Omer of Friends United. Never United defeated FC Brotherz 3-2. Man of the Match: Haatim Nazir of Never United. Spartans routed FC Legends 16-0. Man of the Match: Waleed Shamlan of FC Spartans. Desi Starz lost to Athletic Alliance 0-11. Man of the Match: Hassanuddin Shoeb of Athletic Alliance. Statistics: Total goals scored — 250 (in 40 matches). Top scorers — Waleed Shamlan (20 goals) of FC Spartans; Thowfiq Nazar (16) of EFS FC and Hassanuddin Shoeb (12) of Athletic Alliance. Disciplinary record: 46 Yellow Cards and 5 Red Cards (in 40 matches). Thursday' matches: FC Legends vs. Athletic Alliance 9:00 p.m.; Never United vs. Catalonia 9:00 p.m.; Spartans vs. Gladiators 9:00 p.m.; FC Bavarians vs. Friends United 10:00 p.m. and EFS FC vs. Desi Starz 10:00 p.m. Saturday's games: FC Bavarians vs. Never United 7:00 p.m.; Spartans vs. Friends United 7:00 p.m.; FC Brotherz vs. Desi Starz 7:00 p.m. Gladiators vs. Athletic Alliance 8:00 p.m. and FC Legends vs. EFS FC 8:00 p.m.
