MALABAR
UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT TO CLASH IN THE EPIC KIFF LEAGUE FINALS FOR THE J.P
D’MELLO ROLLING TROPHY FOR 2013/2014
After a break of 5 months the
penultimate knock out phase of the KIFF league for the J.P D’Mello Rolling
Trophy commenced with the semi finals being played on 16th May 2014
at the Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait. In the first semi final Malabar United
triumphed 1-0 against rivals Kerala Challengers and AVC – Kuwait were
victorious against Don Bosco Oratory by a solitary goal.
In a rare sight where passionate
football fans thronged the stadium early morning Malabar United took on inform
Kerala Challengers in the first semifinals in an all Kerala affair. Both the
teams knowing each other’s game started on a cautious note. Malabar were quick
off the blocks with their speedy wingers doing the early rounds. Kerala
Challengers boosted by the return of their star striker Fajilu from injury
relied on counter attacks mostly initiated through the wings, but Malabar
defense held firm. In one solitary move Fajilu unleashed a superb volley from
the left side of the pitch and just from the top of the box which ironically crashed
against the bar and rebounded safely much to the relief of the Malabar defense
and the chance went abegging. As the game progressed sedately it was mostly
played in the midfield in the 1st half. In the second half Malabar
United had a golden chance to forge ahead when awarded a penalty when Kerala
Challengers defender brought down Malabar striker Shafi in the box. But to the
dismay of the Malabar supporters and players the weak shot was saved by Kerala
Challengers keeper. Both the teams tried to unlock the defense which played a
crucial role in keeping the slate clean during regulation time. Malabar had more
chances to take the lead but their strikers could not find a rhythm. Kerala
Challengers counter attacked but their strikers lacked the venom and did not
dent the Malabar citadel and the regular time ended goalless.
The match went
into extra time and in the second half of the extra time Malabar forward Shafi
took on the entire Kerala Challengers defense in his stride with deft body
feints and showed superb control and poise to find the net and the eventual
winner to put his team in the finals. The final whistle brought rapturous celebrations
from the Malabar United fans as their team gained a maiden entry in the KIFF
League finals. Man of the Match award was awarded to Shafi and given away by the
most respected personality in Kuwait and in KIFF, the President of G.O.A (GOA
Maroons) Mr. Raymond D’Sa. The match was supervised by the former professional
Salgoancar defender and now experienced referee Sarto Baptista at the center with
energetic Lloyd and new professional face Jen on the lines.
The second match was the most
anticipated one between Don Bosco Oratory and newly crowned Seasons Champions
AVC – Kuwait. DBO entered the fray with new reinforcements from India
especially brought in for the semifinals in line to make their second
appearance in the KIFF League finals after having won in 2012, whereas favorites
AVC winners in 2005 were depleted with injuries and suspensions going into this
match after having played and won 14 consecutive regular matches in this
season. The first half was equal in terms of possession with AVC missing the
first real chance on goal in the 5th minute when Sydney and Agnel
Martin failed to nod in from the corner kick. DBO relied on counter attacks and
long ball tactics with Lloyd masterminding the attacks from the defense. Michael
of DBO was the most attacking player on the field. AVC midfield worked in
tandem with Ismael and Agnel Martin keeping DBO at bay and on a counter move Agnel
missed a golden opportunity when found alone in the box to put AVC ahead as his
shot kissed the post and went out. DBO piled up the pressure as AVC suffered a
jolt due to injuries to striker Leslie and playmaker Agnel Martin in the first
half which ended goalless. In the second half both the teams started cautiously
but DBO went into ascendancy in possession with AVC suffering further setback
through more injuries to star striker Anthony and defender Francis Jr. making
it extremely difficult to play their customary free flowing game. Michael and
young Nikhil of DBO started dictating terms and mounted pressure on AVC defense
ably marshaled by Vincy, Braulio, Luciano and Peter. As the game was
approaching towards the end with seven minutes remaining from the normal
regulation time AVC’s midfielder Sydney in a moment of sheer brilliance
unleashed an overhead volley which nestled in the far corner of the net to put
AVC ahead and send their fans in frenzy. The goal brought memories of Wayne
Rooney’s goal against Man City and is one of the rarest goal ever seen in KIFF
football in recent times. DBO went all out for the equalizer but the experience
of AVC in crunch situations helped them in seeing their team entering the
finals for the third time and now going for the rare double. Though DBO did
manage overall possession in the entire match, AVC’s experienced and
professional goalkeeper Alvaro Dias was hardly tested. As per official reports
this is AVC’s 15 consecutive win on the road this season. AVC – Kuwait are the
defending Seasons Champions of 2013 and has retained the crown again this
season for the record sixth time. Sydney Monteiro of AVC was awarded the Man of
the Match for his classic goal and the award was given away by KIFF President
Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. The match was supervised by former professional
Salgoancar midfielder and now turned professional referee Tiago in the center
with seasoned Pascoal and flamboyant ace goalkeeper Julio on the lines.
The entire season of KIFF is
supervised by Indian Football Referees Association Kuwait, the only Indian professional
referees association in the Middle East. In their ranks include former
professional football players namely Sarto Baptista (ex Salgoancar FC) Tiago (ex
Salgaoncar) Francis, IFRA President (ex Churchill Bros) Alvaro (ex Churchill
Bros & Vasco S.C) etc.
As per KIFF communiqué the KIFF
League finals for the J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy will be held on 30th
May 2014 at 6.30pm at the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium. Prior to the finals an
exhibition match will held between Indian Central School, Abbaysiya and Indian
Public School School Salmiya at 5.30pm followed by the grand KIFF League final
opening ceremony. During the break a dance programe will be held which is being
presented by Jhankaar Dance Academy Kuwait. Customary Housie snowball will be conducted
at the interval with the prize of return air ticket Kuwait-Bombay-Kuwait
sponsored by Al Qattan Travels
The Chief Guest for the finals
will be Mr. J.S. Dhangi representating the Indian Ambassador in Kuwait. Guest
of Honor is Mr. Nasser Omran Kanan of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries
Kuwait. Special Guests will be Mr. Asif Juzer, the Managing Director of
Prosports and Mr. Abdulrahim Al Muraiki of Gulf Cable & Electrical
Industries Co.
Special Invitee for the KIFF
League finals is Mr. Brendon Fernandes from Benaulim Goa, India. Mr. Brendon is
the only Indian player to have representated India in all age groups having
played U-13, U-14, U-16, U-17 and U-19 levels. At 16 years of age he was
selected among the best 20 young players chosen by the world famous soccer club
Manchester United for further training which earned him the distinction to
train at the Manchester United Academy and compete in the Manchester United ‘’
World Skills Final’’. He is the very first Asian player to earn an invitation
from Cape United Soccer School for Excellence in South Africa. He is now
currently plying his trade with ASD Club in South Africa which makes him the 6th
Indian player to make a mark of reaching the European League. Mr. Brendon
Fernandes was recently felicitated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Manohar Parrikar
for his outstanding performance in the Lusofania Games held in Goa in 2014. It
is an honor for KIFF and the KIFF Managing Committee member in presenting Mr.
Brendon Fernandes to the young and experience Indian footballers in Kuwait.
The KIFF Managing Committee
invites all the affiliates and the football loving fans to mark the date 30th
May 2014 and attend in large in numbers to end the season in a grand style at
the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium Kuwait from 5pm onwards.
For more and continuous coverage
log on to KIFF blog and KIFF face book page hosted by Julio Cardozo. Arab
Times, Kuwait Times and Indiansinkuwait are the media partners of KIFF
providing unlimited coverage.
Report and photos from
KIFF newsdesk.
