KERALA CHALLENGERS, SANTOS UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT REGISTER WINS IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

Three matches were held on day 2 of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ on 14^th February 2014 played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait with Kerala Challengers putting it across Malabar United 2-1, Santos United piping Don Bosco Oratory 3-2 and AVC – Kuwait defeating Curtorcares United 3-1

In the first game of the day Malabar United took on Kerala Challengers. Both the teams knowing each other’s game quite well started the proceedings cautiously. Malabar United were quick off the blocks but Kerala Challengers held firm and deservingly took the lead through Arun Kumar to go ahead. Malabar United stunned by the goal attacked in tandem and found the equalizer through Mohd Shafi. Midfield of both the teams excelled, but the strikers lacked cohesion in the opposition box. Kerala Challengers upped the ante and scored the all important second goal through their dynamic striker Fajilu. As the time approached towards the both the teams went for an all out attack with Malabar searching for the equalizer and Kerala Challengers to increase the margin, but the match ended in favor of Kerala Challengers 2-1. Man of the match award was awarded to prolific scorer of Kerala Challengers Fajilu and presented by Mr. Tony Correia ex President of KIFF. The match was supervised by Nicholas with Alvaro and Lloyd on the lines.

Man of the match award was awarded to prolific scorer of Kerala Challengers Fajilu and presented by Mr. Tony Correia ex President of KIFF

Kerala Challengers

The second match was between Santos United and Don Bosco Oratory. Both the teams started the proceedings on an attacking note with DBO dominating the proceedings at the initial stage. Santos relied on counter attacks engineered by their midfield maestro Taigo and in one such move went in to the lead when Anthony Rego beat the DBO defense and bulged the net to take the lead. Stung by this reverse DBO increased the tempo of the match but Santos defense were rock solid to thwart the danger and again in the counterattack Santos broke DBO’s defense and Manuel rounded the keeper and surged ahead to make 2-0. DBO however piled up pressure and reduced the margin through a set piece when Floyd’s free kick entered the net perfectly giving no chance to Santos goalkeeper.  As DBO went all out in search of the equalizer they left the gaps in the defense which was exploited by Santos forwards and Anthony Rego completed his brace to make it 3-1. DBO with time running out went for broke and reduced the margin Ashton to make the game more exciting, but Santos held firm and came out winners with 3-2 score line. Tiago of Santos United was rightly adjudged Man of the Match for his superb performance and the award was handed over by Mr. B.M. Viegas ex President of KIFF. The match was officiated by Alvaro Dias in the center and assisted by Simon and Lloyd at the flanks.

Tiago of Santos United was rightly adjudged Man of the Match for his superb performance and the award was handed over by Mr. B.M. Viegas ex President of KIFF.

Santos United FC

The last match of the day was a repeat of last week’s final between Curtorcares United and AVC-Kuwait. The young brigade of Curtorcares with a point to prove against the famed line up of AVC started the match in ascendancy. AVC with a depleted squad due to injuries and ill health played a holding game and kept the marauding Curtorcares boys at bay and relied on counterattacks with Thapa and Leslie giving a harrowing time to John Mauro in Curtorcares defense. AVC took the lead from a set piece when Braulio’s shot hit the post and the diminutive Leslie found the net from the rebound. The second half saw Curtorcares piling up the pressure with Bonny and Martin moving in tandem and found the equalizer when Bonnie’s free kick entered the net beating AVC’s young keeper Bleeson. With the equalizer Curtorcares increased the pressure, but AVC’s defense led by Vincy and Luciano held firm and on a swift counter attack Savio ran the length of the field and crossed the ball to Kevin who bulldozed the Curtorcares defense and scored to make it 2-1. Goaded by the lead AVC went for the final kill and found the third when a corner from Braulio was perfectly volleyed in by AVC’s star striker Anthony to make it 3-1 and put it beyond Curtorcares who tried in vain to reduce the margin but AVC’s keeper Blesson denied the opposition any sniff at his goal to end the match in favor of AVC- Kuwait 3-1. AVC’s Captain Savio was declared the Man of Match for his all round performance and the award was presented by Pascoal Fernandes, President of United Goan Center. The match proceedings were conducted by Mubarak and assisted by Julio and Simon on the lines.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association

AVC’s Captain Savio was declared the Man of Match for his all round performance and the award was presented by Pascoal Fernandes, President of United Goan Center.

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 next round will be played on 21st February 2014. At 6.45am United Friend Club v/s Real Betalbatim Football Club. At 8.00am FC Sparx v/s United Goan Center and DHL Football Club v/s Indian Strikers FC at 9.15 am.

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

DHL FC, INDIAN STRIKERS AND YRC RISING STARS WIN IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

DHL FC, INDIAN STRIKERS AND YRC RISING STARS WIN IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

As announced earlier KIFF’s 11 a side knockout football tournament titled ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ got underway on 31^st January 2014 at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait. Three matches were played on the first day of play with DHL FC putting it across GOA Maroons 2-1, Indian Strikers overcame Skynet Raiders in the tie-breaker and YRC Rising Stars defeating Kuwait Goan Association 1-0.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated in attendance of past KIFF Presidents along with the affiliate Presidents and members of KIFF MC. Chief Guest Mr. V.K Vohra, the first elected KIFF President and one of the founder members of the Federation was introduced to the teams. Mr. Derrick Gomedes, KIFF’s Vice – President welcomed the guests and thanked all the former Presidents and the affiliates for the cooperation. Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira, SDB prayed for the success and well being of all those associated with the Federation. Mr. V.K Vohra also spoke and declared the tournament open.

After the inaugural formalities the action got underway with GOA Maroons taking on DHL FC in the first match of the day. GOA Maroons started on a attacking note and opened the scoring through young Cleevan. DHL counter attacked and equalized when a goal bound shot from Seby of DHL had GOA Maroons keeper fumbling and allowing the ball to enter the net. DHL increased the tally once again through Xavier Dias and the teams went into lemon with DHL leading. The second half saw GOA Maroons increasing the tempo in search of an equalizer with sustained pressure, but DHL defense held firm. In the dying minutes of the game Stevin of GOA Maroons almost equalized when he rounded the keeper, but the ball trickled wide of an open goal and DHL emerged victorious with Seby Barbosa bagging the Man of the Match given away by Mr. V.K. Vohra.

Seby Barbosa bagging the Man of the Match given away by Mr. V.K. Vohra.

The second match was a hotly contested affair between Indian Strikers and Skynet Raiders. Indian Strikers were on the back foot in the initial stages but on a counter attack took the lead through Jagadeesh. Skynet Raiders hit back immediately to equalize through Ivo. In the second half both the teams tried their best to outwit each other but drew blank and went in to the tiebreaker where Indian Strikers emerged victorious. Joe of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by Mr. Tony Dias, former President of KIFF.

Joe of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by Mr. Tony Dias, former President of KIFF.

In the last match of the day KGA took on YRC Rising Stars. Both the teams matched each other on all fronts in the opening stages. The midfield and the defense of both the teams did not allow the strikers to have a go at each other. As the match was heading away to a goalless draw Rising Stars scored through Sylvester whose rasping shot gave no chance to KGA goalkeeper and it proved to be the match winner for YRC Rising Stars to march in the next round. Bernard Pires was adjudged the Man of the Match with Mr. Lawrence Pinto, former KIFF President presenting the award.

 Bernard Pires was adjudged the Man of the Match with Mr. Lawrence Pinto, former KIFF President presenting the award

All the matches were supervised by IFRA with Sarto Baptista, Francis Fernandes and Alvaro Dias doing the honors in the center and assisted by Pascoal, Nicholas and Chris on the lines.

Man of the Match trophies for the tournament are sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. KIFF’s Sport Secretary Kevin Vaz and Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the day’s proceedings and the customary housie.

A minute silence was observed in memory of Mr. Joywin Pires who passed away tragically in Goa while on vacation. Joywin has played for CRC Chinchinim, AVC – Kuwait and DHL FC in Kuwait and his tragic death at a young age sent a gloom on all the members of KIFF’s affiliates as well as the entire Indian football fraternity.

The 16 affiliates taking part are AVC Overseas Sports and Cultural Association Kuwait (AVC), Curtorcares United, DHL Football Club (DHL), Don Bosco Oratory (DBO), F.C Sparx, Goan Overseas Association Kuwait (Goa Maroons), Indian Strikers Football Club, Kerala Challengers, Kuwait Goan Association (KGA), Malabar United, Real Betalbatim Football Club (RBFC), Santos United, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club (UFC), United Goan Center (UG), YRC Rising Stars.

The next round will be played on 14^th February 2014. At 6.45am Kerala Challengers v/s Malabar United. At 8.00am Santos United v/s Don Bosco Oratory. At 9.15am Curtorcares United v/s AVC Kuwait

Report by Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

FAREWELL FELICITATION FOR MR. A. VERONICA FERNANDES IN KUWAIT

Below is the text of speech by KIFF PRESIDENT Mr. Fidelis Fernandes at the felicitation ceremony conducted by Kuwait Indian Football Federation on 13/12/2013 at the MOH Ground for Mr. Anthony Veronica Fernandes who will be leaving Kuwait for good, shortly.

GENTLEMEN.

WE STAND HERE TO BID FAREWELL TO OUR DEAR FRIEND AND LONG TIME COLLEAGUE MR. VERONICA FERNANDES, SINCE HE IS LEAVING KUWAIT FOR GOOD AFTER 38 YEARS.

MR. VERONICA FERNANDES, A FOOTBALLER, A JOURNALIST, OUR LONG TIME ASSOCIATE HELPING FOOTBALL FEDERATION ETC AND LIST GOES ON.

FIRST WE SHALL TOUCH HIS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES WHERE HE WAS A PLAYER, IN GOA HE CAPTAINED THE CANDOLIM FOOTBALL TEAM, PLAYED FOR ARPORA SCHOOL, ST. XAVIER COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM, CHWGULE CFOOTBALL TEAM, HE ALSO PLAYED FOR THE THEN MIGHTY CHAMPION OF GOA “ SESA GOA FOOTBALL TEAM” IN MANY PARTS OF INDIA INCLUDING ROVERS CUB IN BOMBAY. HE CAME TO KUWAIT IN 1975 AND HE PLAYED AS CAPTAIN FOR SALMIYA YOUTH CLUB IN THE INAUGURAL TOURNAMENT IN  1979 AT SOUR GROUND. HE WAS THE CO FOUNDER OF GOA MAROONS AND PLAYED FOR THEM. HE WAS THE BEST DEFENDER AMONG INDIANS DURING HIS HEY DAYS.

MR. VERONICA WAS ONE OF THE PROMOTERS OF KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION, HE WAS AN AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBER OF KIFF AND LATER A TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBER.

HE WAS WRITING ABOUT THE FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES ON THE SOUR GROUNDS AT THE TIME WHEN THERE WAS NO INTERNET AND THE PRINT MEDIA WAS THE ONLY SOURCE AVAILABLE FOR THE FOOTBALL LOVERS IN KUWAIT.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A CRITIC IN ANY TYPE OF SPORTS WHICH HELPS THE COTROLLING BODY TO CORRECT ITSELF. HIS REPORTINGS WERE VERY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE.

HIS JOURNALIST STATURE WAS ALSO VERY IMPRESSIVE WHERE HE WROTE A LOT ABOUT THE BRUTAL INVASION OF KUWAIT AND ORGANIZED THE SUPPORT FOR THE KUWAITIS IN GOA DURING THE INVASION.

HE ALSO TOOK UP THE KONKANI LANGUAGE ISSUE AND ORGANIZED VARIOUS FORUMS IN SUPPORT OF IT, DEDICATING HIS TIME AND EFFORT FOR THE CAUSE, WHICH WAS EQUALLY APPRECIATED BY ALL CONCERNED.

MR. VERONICA YOUR  POPULARITY CAN BE GAUGED BY THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE CLUB PRESIDENTS, REPRESENTATIVES,MY MANAGING COMMITTEE AND FOOTBALL LOVERS BID YOU FAREWELL..

ON BEHALF OF THE MANAGING COMMITTEE AND ALL THE ASSOCIATED CLUBS, I STAND HERE TO THANK YOU FOR ALL WHAT HE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND TO THE FOOTBALL ACTIVITY IN PARTICULAR.

WE ALL WISH YOU A VERY GOOD HEALTH, GOOD LIFE AND GOD BLESS YOU.

FIDELIS FERNANDES

PRESIDENT

KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Pics: Julio Cardoso / Revon Gomes

KIFF LEAGUE : MALABAR UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINALS

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. MALABAR UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINALS IN GROUP ‘A’ WITH OUTRIGHT WINS ON MATCH DAY 13 AT MOH GROUNDS AT SABAH HOSPITAL ON 6th DECEMBER 2013

For the 1^st time ever five teams were vying for the two qualifications spots in Group ‘A’ prior to the final proceedings of the 13th round of the KIFF League 2012-2013. In the last of the four matches of Group ‘A’ which were held on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital on 6^th December 2013 for the Late J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy, Skynet Raiders drew with Curtorcares United 1-1, Malabar United beat Santos United 2-0, DHL FC edged out Indian Strikers 2-1 and AVC – Kuwait knocked out FC Sparx 3-2.

Simao Gaoncar of Skynet Raiders was adjudged the Man of the Match given away by Mario Carneiro.

In the first match between table toppers Skynet Raiders and Curtorcares United, both the teams needing a win to qualify went out in all attacking mode. In a free flowing football Curtorcares took the lead through Neves Carvalho and they could have consolidated it further had the chances been converted by their agile strikers, but Skynet managed to hold their defense firm and the score was 1-0 favoring Curtorcares at the lemon break. In the second half Curtorcares again dominated the midfield, but failed to increase the lead. Skynet knowing that less than a win would not suffice increased the tempo and equalized through Simon who ran in through the opposition defense and scored. At this moment the fans of both the teams expected a furious response from both sides to go blazing for the all required win, but surprisingly and to utter disappointment both the teams opted for a safety approach though Curtorcares did try in vain to surge ahead. Curtorcares midfield manned by Martin fed his strikers constantly but the end result only kept the ball boys busy. Skynet on their part tried to absorb the pressure and were content in safeguarding their citadel from breaching further without leading a meaningful attack on the opposition. The match ended in a one all draw with both the teams bowing out of the league in a self destructive mode. Simao Gaoncar of Skynet Raiders was adjudged the Man of the Match given away by Mario Carneiro. The match was officiated by Francis.

Younus Khazira was awarded the Man of the Match and handed over by Praveen Kumar.

Malabar United qualified for the semi-finals

In the second match the other qualification hopefuls Malabar United took on Santos United. Malabar United knowing fully at the onset that only an outright win can guarantee a spot in the semifinals of the KIFF League started cautiously to gauge the opposition response. In the first half the midfield of both the teams reined supreme with Malabar United having a slight edge. The second half started with Malabar United in an attacking mode and raided Santos United citadel continuously. Santos United put up a brave fight, but finally caved in when their defense failed to clear the lines allowing Abdul Rahim to score the opener for Malabar United. Goaded by this goal Malabar United went for the kill and found the all important second goal when Younus Khazira beat the rival goalkeeper and slotted coolly to give his side a 2 goal lead and send Malabar United to the top of the table. The game ended 2-0 in favor of Malabar United who booked the semifinal berth of the league in group ‘A’. Younus Khazira was awarded the Man of the Match and handed over by Praveen Kumar. The match was refereed by Sarto Baptista.

Sandip Shirodkar was declared the Man of the Match and the award was presented by Shyam Kumar, KIFF Treasurer.

The third match of the day was an inconsequential affair between DHL FC and Indian Strikers. Indian Strikers out of the qualification spot and DHL without a win in the previous rounds started the match with a right intent. The match was played at a leisurely pace with both the teams cautious of each other. DHL took the lead through Sandip Shirodkar in the first half and brought cheer to all the DHL fans. Indian strikers tried in vain for the equalizer but DHL defense manned by captain Elvis gave no chance. Sandip again scored and completed his brace putting his side in a comfortable position and sensing their first win. Indian Strikers reduced the margin through Stelappan midway in the second half which created panic in DHL camp but they saw out the match and content with their first win in the league and the game ended with 2-1 in favor of DH FC. Sandip Shirodkar was declared the Man of the Match for his spoils and the award was presented by Shyam Kumar, KIFF Treasurer. The match proceedings were conducted by Alvaro.

AVC qualified for the semis

Ismael was adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and the award was handed over by Derrick Gomendes, KIFF Vice President.

With one qualification spot yet to be bagged AVC – Kuwait took on youthful FC Sparx in the last match of the day and the group. Only an outright win could suffice AVC – Kuwait and a huge win was required for FC Sparx. The match started on a bright note with AVC attacking FC Sparx for the opener in the initial stage of the first half. Slowly the young guns of FC Sparx found their rhythm and stunned their experienced opponents by taking the lead when Saheer found himself clear in the box and slotted past the rival goalkeeper. AVC tried to equalize but could not and the first half ended in favor of FC Sparx 1-0. The second half started in a blistering pace set by AVC and they equalized in the 5^th minute through a penalty awarded when Anthony was scythed by the opposition defense in the penalty box. Ismael made no mistake from the spot. Knowing a draw is not sufficient AVC led a relentless attack and went ahead when Leslie Alemao rose high to head in the lead. FC Sparx were stunned by this onslaught and they caved in further when Ismail was felled by FC Sparx defense when clear on goal and Anthony made no mistake from the spot kick to consolidate the lead further. FC Sparx created ripples in AVC camp when they reduced the margin towards the fag end of the match, but the experience of AVC – Kuwait helped them to close out the match 3-2 in their favor and storm in to the semifinals in style. Ismael was adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and the award was handed over by Derrick Gomendes, KIFF Vice President. The match was supervised by Chistopher.

Action shot - match between DHL FC and Indian Strikers

AVC and Sparks players entering the field of play before their epic battle 

IFRA Officials did a fine job

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 with the prize of air ticket sponsored by Al Qattan Travels.

The schedule of KIFF League matches for 13^th December 2013 is as follows: At 6.45am Don Bosco Oratory v/s YRC Rising Stars. 7.45am Kerala Challengers v/s United Goans. 8.45am Real Betalbatim Football Club v/s GOA Maroons. 9.45am United Friends Club v/s Kuwait Goan Association

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pic by: Julio Cardoso

KERALA CHALLENGERS, AVC & DON BOSCO ORATORY WIN

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. KERALA CHALLENGERS, AVC – KUWAIT AND DON BOSCO ORATORY WIN. YRS RISING STARS AND UNITED FRIENDS CLUB SHARE SPOILS ON MATCH DAY 12 AT MOH GROUNDS AT SABAH HOSPITAL ON 29th NOVEMBER 2013

The 12th round of the KIFF League matches was held on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital on 29th November 2013 for the Late J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy with YRC Rising Stars holding United Friends Club to a goalless draw, Kerala Challengers beating GOA Maroons 1-0, AVC – Kuwait defeating Santos United 2-0, and Don Bosco routing UG 8-0 .

In the first match between YRC Rising Stars and UFC, both the teams played an attacking game but could not breach each others defense to sound the scoreboard in the first half. The second half saw UFC mounting pressure but Rising Stars goalkeeper pulled off some superb saves to keep UFC forwards at bay and the match ended in an attacking goalless draw. Rising Stars goalkeeper was awarded the Man of the Match for his fine performance and given away by Christopher Fernandes.

UFC

YRC Rising Stars

In the second match the two qualification hopefuls in group B, GOA Maroons and Kerala Challengers clashed. Kerala Challengers went ahead in the first half when GOA Maroons goalkeeper fumbled and allowed the ball to sneak in. GOA Maroons tried in vain for the equalizer, but Kerala Challengers defense held firm and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Kerala Challengers. Man of the Match went to Kerala Challengers player which was handed over by Sarto Baptista.

In the third match AVC – Kuwait took on Santos United. AVC dominated the first half and were unlucky not to forge ahead as Augusto, Ismael and Savio went perilously close. In the second AVC – Kuwait once again dominated and deservedly took the lead when Agnel Martin scored. The lead was strengthened further by Leslie of AVC when his well placed grounder gave no chance to the rival goalkeeper. The match ended 2-0 in favour of AVC – Kuwait. Ismael of AVC was adjudged the Man of the Match and given away by Antony Rebello.

The last match of the day was a completely one sided affair between DBO and UG. DBO scored 3 goals in the first half and could have scored more. Any chance of UG comeback in the second half was nullified by DBO and the second half turned out a nightmare for UG as DBO scored at will and the match ended 8-0 in favor of DBO. Olivera was awarded the Man of the Match and handed over by the Vice – President of UG.

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 with the prize of air ticket sponsored by Al Qattan Travels.

The schedule of KIFF League matches for 6^th December 2013 is as follows: At 6.45am Skynet Raiders v/s Curtorcares. 7.45am Malabar United v/s Santos United. 8.45am DHL v/s Indian Strikers. 9.45am AVC - Kuwait v/s FC Sparx

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

AVC, MALABAR, CURTORCARES AND KGA REGISTER WINS

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. AVC – KUWAIT, MALABAR UNITED, CURTORCARES UNITED AND KUWAIT GOAN ASSOCIATION REGISTER WINS ON MATCH DAY 11 AT MOH GROUNDS AT SABAH HOSPITAL ON 22nd NOVEMBER 2013

The 11th round of the KIFF League matches was held on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital on 22nd November 2013 for the Late J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy. After some dull draws in the previous rounds the 11^th round saw wins in all four games played in a chilly atmosphere with AVC – Kuwait raiding Skynet Raiders 2-0, Malabar United stroked out Indian Strikers 3-0, Curtorcares United grounded DHL FC 1-0 and Kuwait Goan Association thumping United Goans Center 5-1.

The first match saw table toppers Skynet Raiders clashing with AVC – Kuwait. For AVC it was a must win game and after having suffered a setback in the previous round were off the blocks with a flourish and scored in the 7^th minute of the game when a through ball by medio Ismael found Skynet goalkeeper fumbling and AVC’s diminutive striker Anthony pounced and scored to give the lead. The first goal goaded AVC and they scored the second by the 20^th minute once again through Anthony. In the second half Skynet did exert pressure to reduce the margin, but AVC’s defense held firm and closed out the match 2-0. Anthony was declared the Man of the Match given away by Xavier Furtado. Julio Cardoso took control of the proceedings at the center.

Anthony was declared the Man of the Match given away by Xavier Furtado.

In the second match the two qualification hopefuls Malabar United and Indian Strikers started the game with an attacking intent. Malabar United went ahead through a penalty, awarded when Indian Strikers defender fouled Mohd. Shafi in the penalty area. Indian Strikers came back strongly and would have been ahead if their strikers not scuffed easy scoring chances. Malabar went ahead on a counter attack when Ashtaq took a well measured lob to beat Indian Strikers goalkeeper and forge ahead. Shamsudeen made it 3-0 in favor of Malabar United and leaving Indian Strikers a mountain to climb for qualification. Mohd. Shafi was declared the Man of the Match and given away by Francis Fernandes, the President of IFRA.  Liston was the referee.

Mohd. Shafi was declared the Man of the Match and given away by Francis Fernande

In the third match Curtorcares United took on depleted DHL FC. The match started on a brisk pace and Curtorcares took the lead when DHL defense failed to clear the lines and Cleto scored for Curtorcares which turned out to be a match winner. Most of the game was confined to midfield as DHL tried in vain for the equalizer but could not succeed in breaching Curtorcares defense. Medio Martin of Curtorcares was instrumental in defense splitting passes to his strikers, but they could not increase their tally. The game ended 1-0 in favour of Curtorcares and once again DHL FC was consigned to defeat without a win in the league so far. Martin of Curtorcares was named the Man of the Match handed over by Juazin Amor.  Francis refereed the match.

Martin of Curtorcares was named the Man of the Match handed over by Juazin Amor

In the fourth and last match of the day KGA clashed with UGC. KGA winless in the league prior to this match went ahead through Alexio, but UG fought back and equalized through Alfred. In the second half KGA mounted pressure and Josse put them ahead. With this goal the floodgates opened and towards the fag end of the match KGA scored another three goals through Clifton, Leander and Amir to heap more misery on UG who are at the bottom of the table without a point. Clifton was awarded the man of the match handed over by Bernard Fernandes. Sharma officiated the match.

Clifton was awarded the man of the match handed over by Bernard Fernandes. 

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 with the prize of air ticket sponsored by Al Qattan Travels. A minute silence was observed during the matches in fond memory of Late Serafino who passed away in India.

IFRA Officials

The schedule of KIFF League matches for 29th November 2013 is as follows: At 6.45am United Friends v/s YRC Rising Stars 7.45am Kerala Challengers v/s GOA Maroons. 8.45am AVC - Kuwait v/s Santos United 9.45am Don Bosco Oratory v/s United Goan Center

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso