Dr. Hassan Gazzawi Hospital-ACC B and Emami Blue Star B maintained their tag as favorites in their respective pools by chalking out third consecutive victories in the Second Division of the 16th SIFF-Western Union Soccer 2012 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here. ACC B and Blue Star B remained unbeaten by defeating International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) 2-1 and Combined Brothers 2-0 in Group A and B respectively Friday. In the other Second Division match, Yas Club dominated over United Sports Club 3-1 to keep its hopes alive for a semifinal berth in Group B. Whereas United with just one point from its four engagements has bowed out of the tournament. 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. After a boring first session ACC B made things lively by striking twice in a three-minute span through Farash and Safeer. However, the energetic schoolboys fought very well and reduced the margin when Hamza found the target. Safeer of ACC B was adjudged as the Player of the Match. While ACC B topped the group with nine points, IISJ remained in the race with four points from three matches. The schoolboys have a crucial match left with ABC Kerala XI. With just one draw from three matches United Sports Club began very well and showed much promise initially but caved in slowly to the much fitter rivals. Yas took the lead through Mohammed Shabab but United restored parity when Abdul Arafat Baig converted a penalty. However, Yas went for the break with a 2-1 cushion as Abdul Salam struck. Yas completed the tally in the second session when Abdul Latheef, who was adjudged as the Player of the Match, converted a penalty. Combined Brothers looked very determined to record a second victory. However, Blue Star seemed much organized and fitter. Midway through the first session Blue Star took the lead through a beautiful move. Its hardworking Alimon back-heeled a through pass on top of the box for Shihabuddin who in turn placed the ball perfectly for the killer for Zaheer Bava who did the job cleanly. Blue Star continued its run for a berth in the semis by completing the tally towards the end. Alimon was again involved when his corner kick was connected well by Muneer. Zaheer Bava of Blue Star was adjudged as the Player of the Match. Friday's matches: 4:30 P.M. – BRC vs. ABC Kerala XI; 6:00 P.M. – BCC vs. ABC Real Kerala XI. — SG __
