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 07th 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.
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| Santos United FC |
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| 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.
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| YRC Rising Stars |
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| 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.
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| AVC Sports & Cultural Association |
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| 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 14th 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
