Friends continued their impressive run by recording their second successive victory by prevailing over Nadec–Blue Star A, 2-1, in the First Division of the 16th SIFF-Western Union Soccer 2012 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here Friday. Earlier in a Second Division match, ABC Cargo–Yas Club and newcomer Jeddah Sports Club drew 1-1 in Group B. ABC–Yas took the lead through Azhar Ashru and A. Gafoor equalized for Jeddah Sports Club. Azhar Ashru was adjudged as the Player of the Match. The three-month long event is mainly sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Naseem Jeddah Hospital, Jeddah National Hospital and Rose Biriyani Rice. It was a saga of missed chances in the speedy First Division encounter. Friends, who had played their first match at a fiery pace, maintained the same tempo. And they have an ace runner in Haris who dashes past rivals as if he is on a 100-meter track. Blue Star, however, looked as if it has changed its strategy and style from its olden days. From a rough and tough approach it has now shifted to clean one-touch soccer. And the team impressed but for its hesitation in taking shots while at shooting range. Only goals win matches! Friends threatened the rival goal in the second minute. Haris earned a foul kick near the danger area and the clinical shot by Mohammed Rauf over the “wall” was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Moahammed Shafi. Friends took the lead in the 19th minute. Collecting a lob in the middle Shanavaz Hamza tricked the defense and relayed the ball to Haris who sped fast into the box and beat the goalkeeper. In the 30th minute, Abdul Azeez cut through the left and placed the ball on a platter for Haris only to see his instant blast agonizingly sailing over the bar. Friends made it 2-0 in the second half. In a speedy move Haris sent a through pass to Shanavaz who capped it with a neat finish. Blue Star worked hard sportingly. Its Nizar tried all his tricks. He switched flanks often and he was everywhere. At last off a corner kick from Riaz Khan, Nizar scored a consolation goal. Then it was attacks and counter attacks without a goal. Haris of Friends was selected as Player of the Match. Friday's matches: 5:15 P.M. – Combined Brothers vs. United Sports Club; 6:30 P.M. – Young Challengers Club vs. ABC–Kerala XI; 7.45 P.M. – ACC-B vs. BRC. — SG __
