“The Times” Cup Trophy

7 A side soccer festival - organized by Santos United 

Kuwait: AVC emerged champions of the premiere edition of  “The Times” Cup Trophy 7-aside football tournament trouncing  Indian Strikers in the finals by two goals to nil. The tournament organized Santos United and sponsored by The Times was held on 21^st March 2014 at the MOH Grounds under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F).  

A total of 17 clubs (19 teams participated) took part in this tournament.  Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) professionally did a marvelous officiating task and it complimented to the young, enthusiastic and teamwork put in by the Santos United lads in the successful organization of the tournament.   Speaking  at the prize distribution ceremony, the chief guest, Raymond D’Sa, President of G.O.A. Maroons congratulated the winners and runners-up and applauded  the tournament organizers and the participating teams. The matches were played with great gusto and sporting spirit, discipline with are the hallmark of the tournament, Raymond D’Sa added.

The event’s comperes,  Julio Cardozo, Kevin Vaz and Bernard Fernandes kept the spectators entertained and informed on the turn of events during the tournament, with Ferns Caterers providing snacks, tea and coffee. Reaven D’Souza, The Times, Media Response & Events Co., Bhasin Co., Ms. Carol Chapman, Dana Optics, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes  and KIFF Managing Committee, IFRA officials, Goan Cultural Centre, the English print and e-portals were all thanked by the organizers for the support and generous gifts. During the break in-between the matches, spectators were treated to refreshments, a game of housie and the hamper picks for which fabulous prizes including electronic and electrical gadgets were won. 

Winners and runners-up were given glittering trophies apart from gifts for winners, runners-up and referees. Glittering momentos were presented to the individuals:  James Figueira of Goa Maroons being the oldest player of the tournament and Joaquim Rodrigues of Santos United for his dedicated services.  The best disciplined team trophy was accorded to Real Betalbatim S.C., Indian Strikers’ Dixon Benedict and Anthony Vincent claimed the Best Defender and Best midfield player awards.  AVC’s Savio Fernandes and  Blesson D’Souza were presented the Man of the final match award and Best Goalkeeper award respectively.  However, AVC’s  Anthony Rodrigues took two individual awards, namely as the Best Striker, and also the First Goal scorer of the finals.  Mussolini Gomes, Carol Chapman, Liby Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Glen D’souza, and Fidelis Fernandes and Raymond D’Sa were called on the dias to hand over the prizes.   

Santos United’s president, Carmo Santos, on behalf of the organizers and his team members thanked and appreciated the sponsorship and support for organizing the tournament  of Reaven D’Souza, The Times, Media Response & Events Co., Bhasin Co., Ms. Carol Chapman, Dana Optics, KIFF and IFRA officials, Goan Cultural Centre, the English print and e-portals, and Gaspar Almeida.

AVC – KUWAIT AND SANTOS UNITED STORM IN TO THE FINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

AVC – KUWAIT AND SANTOS UNITED STORM IN TO THE FINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In perfect climatic conditions AVC – Kuwait and Santos United sailed into the finals of the inaugural edition of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ winning their semifinals matches with ease on match day 5 played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 14^th March 2014.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association

 Agnelo Martin was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his hat trick which was given away by Mr. Francis Fernandes

The first semifinal saw tournament favorites AVC – Kuwait taking on inform Indian Strikers. AVC started the match with pace and scored the first goal through Agnel Martin in the 8 minute of the first half. Goaded by the lead they upped the tempo further and consolidated the lead when Agnelo Martin once again found the net to make it 2-0. Stung by the reverse Indian Strikers came back strongly in the game and reduced the margin beating AVC goalkeeper Blesson with a perfect finish. Searching for the  equalizer Indian Strikers further piled more pressure on AVC’s defense and missed easy opportunities. The second half started with AVC once again dominating the proceedings and further consolidated their lead when Agnelo Martin found the net from a corner and completed his hat trick. Anthony who had earlier missed scoring chances found the fourth for AVC with a superb finish. Indian Strikers never gave up and scored the second in the dying minutes of the game. The game finished 4-2 in favor of AVC which became the first team to enter the finals of the inaugural KIFF Presidents’ Cup 2014. Agnelo Martin was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his hat trick which was given away by Mr. Francis Fernandes, President of IFRA. The match proceedings were conducted by Sarto with Julio and Christopher on the lines.

The second semifinal match was between YRC Rising Stars and Santos United. The inform Santos United started the match with pace and took the lead when Rising Stars defender scored an own goal upon pressure from the opposition. This early goal put Rising Stars on the defensive and could not strike a rhythm. Santos consolidated the lead when Tiago’s perfect free kick was headed in by Alfred. The second half saw Rising Stars piling pressure on Santos but their defense held firm. Santos further consolidated their lead when Anthony Rego scored to put it beyond Rising Stars. The third goal woke Rising Stars who put immense pressure again on Santos defense and reduced the margin through Kenny. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when James of Santos scored a classic goal striking a powerful shot from the top of the box which flew in the top corner to make 4-1 for Santos and helped his team to march in the finals of the Presidents’ Cup 2014 to meet AVC – Kuwait in a mouth watering clash. Alfred of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match and the award was given away by Mr. Shyam Kumar, Hon. KIFF Treasurer and President of Kerala Challengers. The match was officiated by Nicholas with Alvaro and Sarto on the lines.

Santos United

Alfred of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match and the award was given away by Mr. Shyam Kumar

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 final is scheduled on 28^th March 2014 with kick off at 8.30am sharp. At 6.45 am prior to the finals KIFF will conduct an open tie-breaker tournament and entries will be accepted on the spot.

On 21^st March 2014 Santos United will conduct the 7 a side football tournament starting at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14/03/2014.

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

SANTOS UNITED, YRC RISING STARS AND AVC SAIL IN SEMIFINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In match day 4 of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ three matches were played which were stretched to the maximum time as Santos United beat FC Sparx 1-0, YRC Rising Stars downed Kerala Challengers and AVC Kuwait put it across  Real Betalbatim Football Club. All the matches were played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 07^th March 2014.

In the first game of the day Santos United clashed with FC Sparx. As usual the young brigade of FC Sparx started the match with pace, but Santos with experience and skill held firm. Both the teams went for the attack after an early lull but could not score as their strikers fumbled at the goal mouth. As the match ended goalless during the regular time extra time was applied and Santos United took the lead when FC Sparx defender handled the ball in their penalty area and the resultant spot kick was taken by Tiago who made no mistake and took his team in the semifinals. Goalkeeper Francis of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons. Francis officiated the proceedings.

Santos United FC

Goalkeeper Francis of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons.

The second match saw YRC Rising Stars taking on Kerala Challengers. The match started on a sedate note with neither teams threatening the opposition defense. The best chance fell to Kerala Challengers Fajilu who found himself unmarked in the Rising Stars box, but shot wide. As both the teams could not score during the regular time and extra time the match was decided in the tie breaker. YRC Rising Stars came out winners and sailed in the semi finals as Kerala Challengers missed the crucial spot kicks. YRC Rising defender was adjudged the Man of the Match which was handed over by Mr. John Furtado, President of AVC – Kuwait. The match proceedings were conducted by Nicholas.

YRC Rising Stars

YRC Rising defender was adjudged the Man of the Match which was handed over by Mr. John Furtado, President of AVC – Kuwait.

The last match of the day was played between Real Betalbatim FC and AVC – Kuwait. AVC dominated the proceedings but could score as their strikers fumbled and at times RBFC defense held firm. In the second half AVC took the lead when Ismael scored when fed through from a cut back by Anthony. RBFC equalized when a superb strike from Denzil beat AVC goalkeeper. As the match ended one all in the regular time and extra time the fate was decided in the tiebreaker where AVC goalkeeper Martin saved from two spot kicks to ensure his team’s safe passage to the semifinals. Tiago officiated the match. Agnelo Martin bagged the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of KIFF.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association

Agnelo Martin bagged the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of KIFF.

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 semifinal schedule on 14^th March 2014. At 6.45 am AVC-Kuwait v/s Indian Strikers. At 8.00 am YRC Rising Stars v/s Santos United.

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

RISING STARS LIFT KIFF VETERANS CUP

YRC Rising Stars came from a goal down to beat FC Sparks 3-2 in an absorbing final of the ‘Veterans Cup’ organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played last Friday on the MOH ground in Shuwaikh.

Rising Stars captain receiving the trophy from KIFF president Fidelis

Eijaz of Rising Stars

FC Sparks lost in the final 2-3

Referee Simon collecting cheque on behalf of IFRA from Tony Dias

The runners up - Sparks FC

The annual veterans tournament organized for non registered players above the age of 35 featured a total of 16 teams including FC Sparks, DHL FC, Santos United, YRC Rising Stars, AVC sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Challengers, Skynet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers A & B, Curtorcares, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim FC, United Goans Centre, Don Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club. 

The winners - Rising Stars

Rising Stars who have won this unique tournament more than any other team found themselves down by a goal in the very 4^th minute of the first half when prolific scorer Baheer scored directly from a free kick which eluded the outstretched hands of Ronnie in the Rising goal.  Eijaz of Rising Stars however equalized immediately afterwards when he wriggled his way past three defenders to slot home from close range.  Baheer scored again in the second half for FC Sparks, but Abdulla and Muneer found the net for Rising Stars as Rising Stars were all over a visibly tiring Sparks’s defense.

Man of the match Eijaz receiving has award from Lorry Pinto

Oldest Player Johnny receiving his award from Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb

During the brief presentation ceremony, KIFF President thanked the participating teams and the sponsors for their usual support and IFRA for officiating the matches.  Fr. Franco Pereira sdb handed over the award to Johnny for being the oldest player on the field at 60, Amaldo handed over the best disciple team of the tournament to Santos United, Fr. Britto a visiting priest from India, Tony Correia, and Tony Dias handed over the various trophies, while Eijaz was rightfully declared the man of the match and received his award from Lorry Pinto.  The glittering winner’s trophy was handed over to the winners by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.

Benny of Santos United receiving the best disciplined team trophy from Amaldo 

During the tournament which was well attended, a bingo game was conducted by Bernard  on behalf of KIFF while Kevin Vaz compered the days proceedings.  The tournament was sponsored by Raymond D'Sa, Tony Correia, Xavier Furtado, Damien D'Cruz, Tony Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, Amaldo Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Mrs. Virginia Pinto and B. M. Viegas

Report by: Julio Cardoso

Pic by: Julio Cardoso

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.

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