REAL BETALBATIM FC, FC SPARX AND INDIAN STRIKERS ADVANCE IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In match day 3 of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ Real Betalbatim Football Club beat United Friends Club 1-0, FC Sparx downed United Goan Center 2-0 and Indian Strikers thumped DHL Football Club 5-0. All the matches were  played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 21^st February 2014.

In the first game of the day RBFC took on UFC. The match started on a sedate pace with both the teams gauging each other’s strength. RBFC dominated the early exchanges and missed going ahead as their strikers could not take advantage. UFC came back in the game and exerted pressure on RBFC but their defense held firm. In the second half RBFC made the tactical change by deploying the veteran and ageless legend Teddy Pinto in midfield from defense. Teddy, a veteran of many duels in the past and though lacking in pace now controlled the midfield in absence of another midfield maestro Phillip who withdrew midway due to hamstring injury and fed his striker force with clinical passes, but RBFC strikers could not take advantage to forge ahead. Meanwhile UFC upped the tempo through their wings, but RBFC goalkeeper was equal to the task. In the final minutes RBFC came back in to the game strongly with Denzil and Teddy controlling the midfield and in one swift move Marshall beat the offside trap and found the net beating the UFC goalkeeper with a cool finish to put his team ahead. UFC stunned by this reversal tried in vain to equalize but RBFC held firm and were deserved winners to advance in the quarterfinals. The match ended in favor of RBFC 1-0. The Man of the Match was RBFC’s roving defender Denzil and the award was given away by Manuel D’Costa ex President of KIFF. The game was officiated by Alvaro Dias in the center with Sarto and Simon on the flanks.

The Man of the Match was RBFC’s roving defender Denzil and the award was given away by Manuel D’Costa ex President of KIFF.

Real Betalbatim Football Club

The second match saw youthful FC Sparx taking on United Goan Center. Sparx started the match with pace as usual and raided UG citadel continuously. UG defense managed to hold firm, but crumbled when Saheer of Sparx found the net to put his team ahead. Jammas of Sparx increased the tally to make it 2-0 in the first half. The second half saw UG holding on firm and also putting pressure on Sparx’s defense, but unfortunately their strikers did not find the net. The match then went in to a lethargic pace with neither side making serious inroads and though Sparx did upped the tempo they could not increase their tally and with UG content on guarding against further breach the match ended 2-0 in favor of FC Sparx. Hussain bagged the Man of the Match award for his tremendous midfield presence and the award was handed over by Amaldo Fernandes, President of Curtorcares United. The match proceedings were conducted by Simon in the center with support from Sarto and Liston.

Hussain bagged the Man of the Match award for his tremendous midfield presence and the award was handed over by Amaldo Fernandes, President of Curtorcares United

Sparx FC

The last match of the day was the first quarterfinal of the tournament played between DHL FC and Indian Strikers. The first half was played mostly in the midfield with neither side going in for the final kill. Indian Strikers did try to exert pressure on DHL defense, but could not forge ahead. The second half saw Indian Strikers increasing the tempo to a notch higher and took the lead in the tenth minute though hardworking Harris who beat DHL’s substitute goalkeeper Leo. At this instant the floodgates opened and in the span of 15 minutes the fleet footed strikers of Indian Strikers scored at will with Harris and Jagdeesh completing their respective braces and Roy completing the onslaught. DHL midfield and defense were in tatters with complete dominance of Indian Strikers their speed harrowing the opposition in a short blitzkrieg. The match ended with a score line of 5-0 in favor of Indian Strikers who have now moved to the semifinals stage in style. Indian Strikers’ Harris who was brilliant from the onset was declared the Man of the Match and the trophy was given away by Cajetan Pereira, President of United Friends Club. The match was officiated by Liston at the center and assisted by Alvaro and Jose.

Indian Strikers

Indian Strikers’ Harris who was brilliant from the onset was declared the Man of the Match and the trophy was given away by Cajetan Pereira, President of United Friends Club.

All the matches were supervised by IFRA. Man of the Match trophies for the tournament are sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the day’s proceedings and the customary housie. The remaining quarterfinals of the tournament will be played on 7^th March 2014.

On 25^th February 2014 Curtorcares United will conduct their 7 a side football tournament at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds with matches staring at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14^th February 2014 and is applicable to all KIFF affiliates.

On 28^th February 2014 KIFF will conduct their 7 a side KIFF Veterans tournament at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds with matches staring at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14^th February 2014 and is applicable to all KIFF affiliates.