JEDDAH — Al-Noor Medical Center YCC and Blue Star-B entered the semifinals in the Second Division, while ACC-B humbled last year's runner-up Paras BCC FC 4-1 in the First Division of the SIFF-Western Union Soccer 2013-14 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here recently. In the interesting two Second Division matches, Al-Noor-YCC shut the door on Bharath Recreation Club (BRC) with a 3-0 win and Blue Star-B prevailed in a 3-2 thriller against a spirited Jeddah Sports Club (JSC) to earn tickets to the semifinals. 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. BRC, which needed at least a draw to qualify for the last four, was off to a prodigal start as Ishaq missed a penalty. Al-Noor-YCC, which took time to settle down, however, struck against the run of play through Sameerullah. Riyaz increased the lead for Al-Noor-YCC in the second half and Irfan completed the winner's tally, making no mistake from the penalty spot. Though beaten 3-0, BRC fought very well and the 3-0 margin did not reflect the tempo of the match. Al-Noor-YCC goalkeeper Ali Akbar was adjudged the Player of the Match. Blue Star-B rallied to beat another fighting outfit Jeddah Sports Club 3-2. After a combined move between Naufal and Aseeb, Ziad fired home to put JSC one up. But Riyas restored parity before the break through a penalty. Shihab struck twice in the second half to give a handsome 3-1 lead to Blue Star. JSC kept on pressing and scored through Abdul Kareem to bring it close, 2-3. Blue Star, however, held on to knock out the charging rivals. Riyas of Blue Star won the Player of the Match award. The First Division encounter became a thoroughly one-sided affair as ACC-B, which earned promotion into First Division last year, dominated the game and scored at will. Mohammed Unoos, Abdul Jaleel, Mohammed Rafeeq and Sinal found the net for the winner, while Shali earned a consolation goal for Paras BCC FC. Faisal Hamza of ACC-B was selected the Player of the Match. Friday's matches: Al-Abeer Sharafiya vs. Badr Al-Tamam United Sports Club (Div. II); International Indian School vs. Al-Wurood International School (Inter-School); ABC Cargo Real Kerala FC vs. Nadec Blue Star A (Div. I); OTS ACC-A vs. Eastern Eranad Club (Div. I). — SG
