AVC AND MALABAR TO CLASH FOR KIFF LEAGUE TITLE

MALABAR UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT TO CLASH IN THE EPIC KIFF LEAGUE FINALS FOR THE J.P D’MELLO ROLLING TROPHY FOR 2013/2014

After a break of 5 months the penultimate knock out phase of the KIFF league for the J.P D’Mello Rolling Trophy commenced with the semi finals being played on 16^th May 2014 at the Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait. In the first semi final Malabar United triumphed 1-0 against rivals Kerala Challengers and AVC – Kuwait were victorious against Don Bosco Oratory by a solitary goal.

In a rare sight where passionate football fans thronged the stadium early morning Malabar United took on inform Kerala Challengers in the first semifinals in an all Kerala affair. Both the teams knowing each other’s game started on a cautious note. Malabar were quick off the blocks with their speedy wingers doing the early rounds. Kerala Challengers boosted by the return of their star striker Fajilu from injury relied on counter attacks mostly initiated through the wings, but Malabar defense held firm. In one solitary move Fajilu unleashed a superb volley from the left side of the pitch and just from the top of the box which ironically crashed against the bar and rebounded safely much to the relief of the Malabar defense and the chance went abegging. As the game progressed sedately it was mostly played in the midfield in the 1^st half. In the second half Malabar United had a golden chance to forge ahead when awarded a penalty when Kerala Challengers defender brought down Malabar striker Shafi in the box. But to the dismay of the Malabar supporters and players the weak shot was saved by Kerala Challengers keeper. Both the teams tried to unlock the defense which played a crucial role in keeping the slate clean during regulation time. Malabar had more chances to take the lead but their strikers could not find a rhythm. Kerala Challengers counter attacked but their strikers lacked the venom and did not dent the Malabar citadel and the regular time ended goalless. 

The match went into extra time and in the second half of the extra time Malabar forward Shafi took on the entire Kerala Challengers defense in his stride with deft body feints and showed superb control and poise to find the net and the eventual winner to put his team in the finals. The final whistle brought rapturous celebrations from the Malabar United fans as their team gained a maiden entry in the KIFF League finals. Man of the Match award was awarded to Shafi and given away by the most respected personality in Kuwait and in KIFF, the President of G.O.A (GOA Maroons) Mr. Raymond D’Sa. The match was supervised by the former professional Salgoancar defender and now experienced referee Sarto Baptista at the center with energetic Lloyd and new professional face Jen on the lines.

The second match was the most anticipated one between Don Bosco Oratory and newly crowned Seasons Champions AVC – Kuwait. DBO entered the fray with new reinforcements from India especially brought in for the semifinals in line to make their second appearance in the KIFF League finals after having won in 2012, whereas favorites AVC winners in 2005 were depleted with injuries and suspensions going into this match after having played and won 14 consecutive regular matches in this season. The first half was equal in terms of possession with AVC missing the first real chance on goal in the 5^th minute when Sydney and Agnel Martin failed to nod in from the corner kick. DBO relied on counter attacks and long ball tactics with Lloyd masterminding the attacks from the defense. Michael of DBO was the most attacking player on the field. AVC midfield worked in tandem with Ismael and Agnel Martin keeping DBO at bay and on a counter move Agnel missed a golden opportunity when found alone in the box to put AVC ahead as his shot kissed the post and went out. DBO piled up the pressure as AVC suffered a jolt due to injuries to striker Leslie and playmaker Agnel Martin in the first half which ended goalless. In the second half both the teams started cautiously but DBO went into ascendancy in possession with AVC suffering further setback through more injuries to star striker Anthony and defender Francis Jr. making it extremely difficult to play their customary free flowing game. Michael and young Nikhil of DBO started dictating terms and mounted pressure on AVC defense ably marshaled by Vincy, Braulio, Luciano and Peter. As the game was approaching towards the end with seven minutes remaining from the normal regulation time AVC’s midfielder Sydney in a moment of sheer brilliance unleashed an overhead volley which nestled in the far corner of the net to put AVC ahead and send their fans in frenzy. The goal brought memories of Wayne Rooney’s goal against Man City and is one of the rarest goal ever seen in KIFF football in recent times. DBO went all out for the equalizer but the experience of AVC in crunch situations helped them in seeing their team entering the finals for the third time and now going for the rare double. Though DBO did manage overall possession in the entire match, AVC’s experienced and professional goalkeeper Alvaro Dias was hardly tested. As per official reports this is AVC’s 15 consecutive win on the road this season. AVC – Kuwait are the defending Seasons Champions of 2013 and has retained the crown again this season for the record sixth time. Sydney Monteiro of AVC was awarded the Man of the Match for his classic goal and the award was given away by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. The match was supervised by former professional Salgoancar midfielder and now turned professional referee Tiago in the center with seasoned Pascoal and flamboyant ace goalkeeper Julio on the lines.

The entire season of KIFF is supervised by Indian Football Referees Association Kuwait, the only Indian professional referees association in the Middle East. In their ranks include former professional football players namely Sarto Baptista (ex Salgoancar FC) Tiago (ex Salgaoncar) Francis, IFRA President (ex Churchill Bros) Alvaro (ex Churchill Bros & Vasco S.C) etc.

As per KIFF communiqué the KIFF League finals for the J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy will be held on 30^th May 2014 at 6.30pm at the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium. Prior to the finals an exhibition match will held between Indian Central School, Abbaysiya and Indian Public School School Salmiya at 5.30pm followed by the grand KIFF League final opening ceremony. During the break a dance programe will be held which is being presented by Jhankaar Dance Academy Kuwait. Customary Housie snowball will be conducted at the interval with the prize of return air ticket Kuwait-Bombay-Kuwait sponsored by Al Qattan Travels

The Chief Guest for the finals will be Mr. J.S. Dhangi representating the Indian Ambassador in Kuwait. Guest of Honor is Mr. Nasser Omran Kanan of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Kuwait. Special Guests will be Mr. Asif Juzer, the Managing Director of Prosports and Mr. Abdulrahim Al Muraiki of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co.

Special Invitee for the KIFF League finals is Mr. Brendon Fernandes from Benaulim Goa, India. Mr. Brendon is the only Indian player to have representated India in all age groups having played U-13, U-14, U-16, U-17 and U-19 levels. At 16 years of age he was selected among the best 20 young players chosen by the world famous soccer club Manchester United for further training which earned him the distinction to train at the Manchester United Academy and compete in the Manchester United ‘’ World Skills Final’’. He is the very first Asian player to earn an invitation from Cape United Soccer School for Excellence in South Africa. He is now currently plying his trade with ASD Club in South Africa which makes him the 6^th Indian player to make a mark of reaching the European League. Mr. Brendon Fernandes was recently felicitated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Manohar Parrikar for his outstanding performance in the Lusofania Games held in Goa in 2014. It is an honor for KIFF and the KIFF Managing Committee member in presenting Mr. Brendon Fernandes to the young and experience Indian footballers in Kuwait.

The KIFF Managing Committee invites all the affiliates and the football loving fans to mark the date 30^th May 2014 and attend in large in numbers to end the season in a grand style at the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium Kuwait from 5pm onwards.

For more and continuous coverage log on to KIFF blog and KIFF face book page hosted by Julio Cardozo. Arab Times, Kuwait Times and Indiansinkuwait are the media partners of KIFF providing unlimited coverage.

Report and photos from KIFF newsdesk.