JEDDAH — ABC Cargo Real Kerala FC blanked ACC B 2-0 to storm into the First Division semifinals of the SIFF-Western Union Soccer 2013-14 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here recently. In the Second Division matches, Jeddah Sports Club (JSC) and Blue Star B secured identical 2-1 victories to throw the group open. JSC got the better of Badr Al-Tamam United Sports Club and Blue Star prevailed over Al-Abeer Sharafiya. In the only match of the inter-school division, Mahadul Uloom and Al-Wurood shared two goals and points. The 17th league championship, which is being organized by Saudi Indian Football forum (SIFF), is mainly sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer. The co-sponsors are Nokia, Al-Abeer Medical Group, JNH Hospital, Badr Tamam Polyclinic, VLCC and Zimo Trading. In a thrilling encounter in the First Division, which witnessed fast and attacking soccer from both the teams, striker Nishad Kolakaden struck one in each half to fire Real Kerala into the last four and also earn the Player-of-the-Match award. Though beaten, ACC B fought spiritedly and made it a match to remember. In another tense affair in the Second Division Naufal Chokli won the hearts of the crowd and earned kudos from his Jeddah Sports Club teammates by scoring both the goals. He was also adjudged the best player of the match. After a barren but interesting first session Nuafal put his team one up but Naushad Ali equalized for United Sports Club. However, toward the end of the game, hard-working Naufal clinched the winner for JSC. Saheer and Alimon scored for Blue Star B, while Abdul Hakeem scored the only goal for Al-Abeer Sharafiya. Dr. Naresh Rao of Al-Abeer won the Player-of-the-Match plum. Two penalties settled the score in the Mahadul Uloom and Al-Wurood encounter. Asil of Mahad and Nishad Ansari of Al-Wurood made no mistake from the spot. Rayan Rizki of Al-Wurood won the best player award. Friday's matches: Al-Wurood International School vs. Delhi Public School (DPS) (Inter-School); Al-Ryan Water Town Team Strikers vs. Combined Brothers (Div. II); Regal Day 2 Day Friends vs. ABC Cargo-Yas Club FC (Div. I). — SG
