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 14th March 2014.
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| AVC Sports & Cultural Association |
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| 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.
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| Santos United |
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| 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 28th 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 21st
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
