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