INDIAN STRIKERS, KERALA CHALLENGERS WIN. AVC, GOA MAROONS, UFC & KGA SHARE SPOILS IN KIFF LEAGUE FOR 2012-2013 Four matches were held for the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy on 12th October 2012 at the MOH Sabah grounds in Shuwaikh, Kuwait. In the first match of Group D, AVC-Kuwait took on GOA Maroons. AVC started on a positive note and scored the opener very early when Maroons keeper spilled Braulio’s scorcher in the path of Anthony who made no mistake to put AVC ahead. The first half was dominated by AVC and Braulio had the misfortune in seeing his two well placed shots hit the crossbar and coming out of play. The second half saw Maroons with renewed vigor and equalized through Zelito when AVC defense failed to clear their lines from a set piece. The equalizer goaded Maroons who attacked AVC and Joe brought an excellent save from Alvaro. Maroons went ahead through Albert once again from a set piece. The setback stung AVC who threw everything in their might at GOA Maroons and finally equalized through Sidney of a clever pass from Anthony. In the final moments AVC peppered GOA Maroons citadel but the agile Costantinho under the GOA Maroons bar saved the day and was deservingly awarded the Man of the Match. The match was supervised by David at the center with Sarto Baptista and Chistopher on the lines. The second match in Group C was between United Friends Club (UFC) and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA). Both the teams knowing that an outright win will brighten up their qualification chances went berserk for the goal. It was KGA who were more clinical in their midfield play went for the kill, but UFC defense led by Teotonio and Martin under the bar nullified their efforts. KGA were more on attacking their rivals and UFC were comfortable in soaking the pressure and relied on counter attacks as both the teams trooped in goalless at the lemon break. The second half proceedings were similar to the first with neither side sounding the scoreboard. UFC goalkeeper Martin was at his superlative best with his timely aerial interventions which kept the KGA forwards at bay. After an uneventful second half without breaking the deadlock both the teams settled for a draw. Man of the Match was awarded to UFC goalkeeper Martin for his fine performance. The proceedings were conducted by Francis at the center with Liston and David on the lines. In the 3rd match of the day in Group A, United Goan Center (UG) took on Indian Strikers Sports Club. Both the teams matched each other in all departments of the game. Indian strikers were more lethal and hit the cross bar three times in the first half and were unlucky not to forge ahead. UG with their more youthful setup were mostly consigned in the midfield rather than attacking the final third. After a barren first half, Indian strikers took the lead through their hardworking striker Jagadeesh who had the hit the cross bar in the first session this time carefully guiding his shot passed the UG goalkeeper. UG tried in vain to equalize but Indian strikers defense held firm to earn full points. Man of Match went to Jagadeesh. The match was refereed by Nicholas in the center and Liston and Jose on the lines. The final match of the day saw YRC Rising Stars taking on Kerala Challengers in Group B. This match saw the two powerhouses of south Indian football in KIFF. Kerala Challengers had a slight edge in the first half, but failed in the box to convert with a barren first half. The second half Kerala Challengers upped the tempo, but Rising Stars goalkeeper was at his best thwarting numerous goal bound shots. As the match petered towards a draw, Kerala Challengers scored the all important winner in the dying minutes of the game to emerge victorious through Jamal. Man of the Match was awarded to Louisano of Rising Stars for his performance under the bar. The match was supervised by Philip at the center with Sharma and Michael on the lines. A minute silence was observed before the start of the matches as a mark of respect for the departed soul of Mr. Santana Cardoso, father of KIFF P.R.O Mr. Julio Cardoso. The Man of the Match awards are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company. Housie snowball (bingo) prize is sponsored by Al Qatan Travels. The schedule of matches on 19/10/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League: 1st Match at 6.30am Malabar United v/s Indian Strikers 2nd Match at 8 am SkyNet v/s Rising Stars 3rd Match at 9.15am GOA Maroons v/s CRC Chinchinim 4th Match at 10.30am Don Bosco Oratory v/s United Friends Club
