A fighting Blue Star A and star-studded Western Union-ACC provided a flying start to the 13th Saudi Indian Football Forum's (SIFF) Championship for the SIFF-JNH Trophy by sharing the spoils in a 60-minute thriller with two goals at the Sharbatly ground here. Indian Consul General Sayeed Ahmed Baba inaugurated the championship and showed a glimpse of his soccer skill by kicking the ball at the center of the ground to the cheers of the soccer fans. He also met with both teams before kick-off, accompanied by K.K. Vijayan, Consul (Community Welfare), V.P. Mohammed Ali, MD, Jeddah National Hospital, main sponsor, Mohammed Alungal, MD, Al-Abeer Polyclinics, SIFF president T.P. Ahmed, secretary Mohammed Ali and treasurer V.K. Abdul Rauf. Former SIFF president K.P. Abdul Salam and P.A. Abdul Rehman, MD, Shifa Jeddah Clinic, also graced the opening function. Quite contrary to the expectations Blue Star, which believes in practice and hard work, stunned the more famed rival Western Union-ACC by challenging every move to make it a fast attacking game. Both the goals were under threat at every minute, making the goalkeepers busy. To make things more lively, Blue Star drew the first blood in the 29th minute when Riaz Areecode struck off a free kick. The lead gave Blue Star the much-needed boost and it never fell back to defend the lead. While Blue Star challenged every move Western Union-ACC relentlessly attacked for an equalizer. It did not wilt under the spirited performance of its rival and continued to apply pressure. ACC stars' effort bore fruit at last in the 56th minute. With just four minutes left for the final whistle, Najeed redeemed ACC's glory with an equalizer. Friday's matches: Combined Brothers vs. ACC B (5.10 P.M.) and Mohsen Cargo-Friends vs. Real Kerala FC (6.45 P.M.). __
