JEDDAH — Real Kerala FC beat Al-Abeer ACC 1-0 in the opening match of the NADEC-Blue Star Soccer Fest 2012 here recently. Both the teams fielded experienced players – from Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah – who made a number of excellent moves, but failed to finish and the first half ended goalless. Kabeer Thottoyil broke the deadlock in the 75th minute with a bullet shot that even left goalkeeper Sharafuddin a mere spectator, who until then had stood like a wall. Al-Abeer ACC tried its best to find an equalizer, but failed to find a crack in the Real Kerala defense, where Bichaappu and Ashraf Vazhakkaad were on guard. Abeer keeper Shoib was also at his best. Real Kerala's Illikkal Jafer picked up the Regal Mall Player of the Match award, which was awarded to him by SIFF secretary Mohammed Ali Musliyarakath. Other notable performances came from Real Kerala's Nishad (state player) and Al-Abeer's Mustafa Othukkungal, Shihab and Siraj. Earlier a spectacular display of fireworks lit the sky over the stadium marking the opening of the NADEC-Blue Star Soccer Fest 2012. The tournament committee chairman Mukhtar presided over the function, which was inaugurated by Mohamed Imran, Marketing Manager of Al-Abeer Medical Group. Hifsur Rahman, President of Saudi Indian Football Federation (SIFF), Saleem Mullaveettil, Baby Neelambra and V.K. Rauf introduced the teams and the players. Two matches will be played on Thursday. The first match between NADEC-Blue Star A and Printech Yas Clubwill kick off at 10:30 p.m., while the second between Regal Friends Sports Club and Hassan Gazzawi Hospital ACC B will start at 11: 45 p.m. — SG
