Recording their second straight victories, Zabeen FC and GT Brand Factory Real Kerala stormed into the semifinals of the third Nadec Blue Star Soccer Fest 2016 at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khaled Bin Waleed Street here recently. The annual tournament is organized by Blue Star, one of the leading football clubs in Jeddah, for the teams affiliated to the Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF). In the Under-17 division, Talent Teens and Soccer Freaks shared two goals and honors. Both the goals were scored in the interesting second half. Naeem Siddiqui put the Soccer Freaks one up, while Rabeeh Rahman, who sparkled for Talent Teens, scored the equalizer and won the Man-of-the-Match award. Zabeen FC, one of the hot favorites for the final, prevailed over a fighting Al-Amal Watches Blasters FC by a solitary goal scored by Zaman in the first session. Steered by Jawad and Shahabuddin Blasters put up a challenging show in the second session and came near equalizing several times. But the experienced goalkeeper Sharafuddin and tough defenders saved the day for Zabeen. Shafeeq Cholayil, who schemed the game from the middle, was adjudged the Man of the Match. The last match between champions Real Kerala and Al-Ryan Blue Star B provided a lot of thrilling moments. Hosts players played their hearts out only to lose 0-2 to a powerful Real Kerala which asserted its superiority. Shinaz gave the lead to the winner in the first session and Rameez Ahmed completed the tally in the second half through a penalty. Blue Star captain and goalkeeper Shafi Tooda won loud applause as he made brilliant saves under the bar. Rameez Ahmed, who controlled the game for Real Kerala, was named the Man of the Match.
