On the penultimate day amid chill and overcast weather conditions four matches were held of the ongoing KIFF League for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy on 23rd November 2012 at the MOH Sabah grounds in Shuwaikh, Kuwait.
In the first match of Curtorcares United took on United Goans Club. The first half was goalless, but in the second half Curtorcares United came alive and scored 3 goals in quick succession with Cleto scoring a brace and was rightly adjudged the man of the match given by Anton Rebello, a former Salgaoncar, Goa and India player. The match was officiated by David.
The second match was an inconsequential match as far as the league qualifications are concerned as both the teams are out of the reckoning, but the two teams showed poise and good spirit. Santos United went ahead and was certain to come out with a win, but Rising Stars equalized through hardworking Jemon and ended the match in a draw. Jemon of YRC Rising Stars was awarded the man of the match for his all-round performance. The MOM was handed over by Bosco Leitao, the President of CRC Chinchinim. The match was supervised by Christopher.
In the 3rd match of the day Real Betalbatim took on Malabar United. Real Betalbatim knowing a draw or a win will suffice their qualification chances started sedately. Malabar United known for their physical strength did not allow Real Betalbatim to open up. Real Betalbatim went into the lead when a spot kick was awarded which was taken by Philip, but was saved by the rival goalkeeper, and the ensuing rebound was punted in by Philip from a very good follow up. The match ended with Real Betalbatim victorious 1-0. The man of the match was given to veteran Teddy Pinto of Real Betalbatim for his instrumental vision at the defense and handed over by Kevin Vaz, the Hon. Sports Secretary of KIFF. The match was officiated by Tiago.
The final match of the day saw Sparx taking on GOA Maroons. Both the teams started on a positive note with Maroons needing a draw to qualify and Sparx already out of the qualifying after losing both their opening matches. The young brigade of Sparx took the game to the famed rivals and would have been ahead had their forwards made use of the chances that came their way. GOA Maroons used their experience to take the lead and the match in the dying of the minutes of the game when Stephen scored the all important goal. The Man of the Match was awarded to Hussain of Sparx for his brilliant performance throughout. The award was handed over by Seby, the Executive Member of KIFF. The match was refereed by Michael.
The Man of the Match awards are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company. The games are officiated by Indian Football Referees Association Kuwait. (IFRA)
During the break United Goans Center (UG) conducted the draw for their 37th 11 a side football tournament which will kick off from 7th December 2012 and held under the auspices of KIFF and for the KIFF affiliated teams.
The schedule of matches on 30/11/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:
1st Match at 6.30am - AVC Kuwait v/s CRC Chinchinim
2nd Match at 8 am - DHL v/s United Friends Club
3rd Match at 9.15am - Skynet Raiders v/s Santos United
4th Match at 10.30am- Curtorcared United v/s Indian Strikers