JEDDAH — Eastern Eranad rallied to edge Regal Day 2 Day Friends 2-1 in the final of the Nadec-Blue Star Soccer Fest here recently. Nadec was the main sponsor of the tournament which saw 10 teams, affiliated to Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF), vie for honors. The three-month long football festival was organized by Blue Star Sports Club. With reinforcements from other regions of the Kingdom, the top two expatriates teams of Jeddah, made it a thrilling encounter for a decent soccer-crazy crowd. The match became lively soon after the kick-off as Friends drew first blood when Jaseer headed in from close early. Eastern Eranad sprang into action as if its house was on fire. A goal was imminent as Eranad attack came in waves. And the champion earned parity through Shanavaz before going for the break. With honors even both the teams went all out for the winner in the second session. Friends slowly gained upper hand and created more chances. But their prodigal forwards failed to find the target and beat an alert goalkeeper Salam. And as the match was heading into extra-time Eranad clinched the winner off a blunder by Friends goalkeeper. Again, opportunist Shanavaz was there to poke in the winner. Before the final, Eranad captain Salam and Friends captain Azeez unveiled the trophy, donated by Al-Rayan Medical Group. Earlier, Sporting United defeated Indonesian International School 1-0 and bagged the Blue Star Junior Cup. T.P. Shuhaib, MD, Al-Rayan Medical Group, SIFF president Hifsu Rahman, Shiaz Impala, SIFF secretary Naser Santhapuram and Blue Star president Abdul Kareem distributed the trophies. The following players won the performance awards: Siraj of Eranad — best player of the tournament; Manaf of Friends — top scorer; Sharaf Ali of Blue Star B — best goalkeeper; Rauf of Eranad — best defender; Jaseer of Friends — best midfielder; Faisal of Blue Star A — best forward and Akhil Kareem of Sporting United — under-17 emerging player. — SG
