KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. FC SPARX SHINE, YRC RISING STARS WIN

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. FC SPARX SHINE, YRC RISING STARS WIN, MALABAR UNITED, DHL FC, DON BOSCO ORATORY AND UNITED FRIENDS CLUB SHARE SPOILS ON MATCH DAY 7 AT MOH GROUNDS AT SABAH HOSPITAL ON 25^th OCTOBER 2013

Match between FC Sparx and Indian Strikers

It's a hard job - LLoyd D'Souza, IFRA official

Match between DHL and Malabar United

The 7th round of the KIFF League matches was held on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital on 25^th October 2013 for the Late J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy. Four matches were held with Sparx FC winning against Indian Strikers 1-0, Malabar United drew 1-1 with DHL FC, YRC Rising Stars beat GOA Maroons 2-0 and DBO were held by UFC.

In the first match between Indian Strikers and FC Sparx the match got underway to a decent pace with FC Sparx dominating with their fleet footed strikers and a youthful midfield. They sounded the scoreboard through Bipin Sebastian in the first half. Indian Strikers found the going tough against a youthful team who have dominated the group ‘A’ so far. Sparx’s midfield and strikers played in tandem with their defense being rock solid not succumbing to any pressure from Indian Strikers and saw the match off with a 1-0 win and top the group. Zidik of FC Sparx was declared the Man of the Match given away by KIFF Vice President Derrick Gomendes. The match was supervised by Sarto Baptista and assisted by Jose and Lloyd.

FC Sparx won 1-0

Zidik of FC Sparx was declared the Man of the Match given away by KIFF Vice President Derrick Gomendes.

In the second game Malabar United took on DHL FC. Both the teams needing a win to stay afloat in the group went for the attack. DHL midfield was in coordination and sprayed defense splitting passes, but the forwards could not take advantage. As DHL started the match in right earnest they scored the opening goal through Cruz who tapped in after Malabar United defense failed to clear the lines. Any thought of DHL recording their first win was extinguished when a goal bound shot from Indian Strikers was fumbled by DHL keeper and Younus of Malabar scored from the spill. Towards the end of the second half both the teams went for a win but failed and the game ended in a tame draw at 1-1.  Rahim of Malabar United was adjudged the Man of the Match and the award was give away by KIFF PRO Joseph. The match was officiated by Pascoal with assistance from Lloyd and Tiago.

DHL FC earned a credible draw

Malabar United drew with UFC

 Rahim of Malabar United was adjudged the Man of the Match and the award was give away by KIFF PRO Joseph.

The third encounter was between Goa Maroons and YRC Rising Stars. The match started on a cautious note and gained momentum with Rising Stars pressing GOA Maroons deep and this ploy played dividends as Sydney of Rising Stars scored the first goal with a deft placement. The goal pumped Rising Stars who started dominating the pace of the match and found the second through their Captain Bernard who let go a stinging shot from the top of the box leaving GOA Maroons shot stopper a mere spectator. Maroons tried to come back in the match in the second half with purposeful substitutions, but Rising Star’s defense led by Joaquim held firm. Towards the fag end of the match GOA Maroons had their chances to reduce the margin, but poor balance infront of the goal led them down and the match ended 2-0 in favor of Rising Stars. Joaquim of Rising Stars was deservedly declared the Man of the match and the award was handed over by KIFF’s flamboyant Sports Secretary Kevin Vaz. The match was supervised by Nicholas with Alvaro and Sharma on the lines.

YRC Rising Stars won handsomely against Goa Maroons

Goa Maroons - lost 0-2 to YRC Rising Stars

Joaquim of Rising Stars was deservedly declared the Man of the match and the award was handed over by KIFF’s flamboyant Sports Secretary Kevin Vaz.

The last match of the day saw DBO taking on a rejuvenated UFC. DBO started with an attacking intent and their midfield reigned supreme. UFC came back strongly in to the match and mounted pressure on DBO defense led by Godfrey. The match was mostly played in the midfield with both the teams’ defense not allowing a sniff to the opposition. The second half started with a real intent of scoring by both the teams. DBO mounted pressure on UFC but their defense soaked in and attacked DBO on counters, but could not find the net and game petered to a fiery draw to leave group ‘B wide open. Shehin of UFC was awarded the Man of the Match for his superb midfield display which was handed over by KIFF Treasurer Shyam Kumar. The match was refereed by Tiago at the center with Nicholas and Pascaol on the lines.

Don Bosco players before the start of their match

United Friends Club drew with DBO

Don Bosco Oratory - drew with UFC

Shehin of UFC was awarded the Man of the Match for his superb midfield display which was handed over by KIFF Treasurer Shyam Kumar

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. Man of the Match awards for the KIFF League are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company. The customary housie snowball was conducted by Mr. Bernard Fernandes.

The schedule of KIFF League matches for 1^st November 2013 is as follows: At 6.45am Kerala Challengers v/s RBFC. 7.45am Skynet v/s FC Sparx.  8.45am AVC – Kuwait v/s Curtorcares United. 9.45am Indian Strikers v/s Santos United.

All matches will be played at MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital. Kuwait

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso