RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, February 27, 2001 – In the semifinal matches
that concluded last Friday at the Dabbab ground, Star Sports club and Al Smari Poly Clinic
teams defeated their respective rivals Central Brothers and NSV to reach the final in the
NSV soccer tournament being played for the Safa Makkah Clinic Rolling trophy.
The Star defeated the Central Brothers 2-1 after a tough tussle. Both the teams were tied
at 1-1 in the normal time. These two goals were scored in the first half. Noushad gave the
Central the lead but this was equalized by Ajilesh who netted through a beautiful free
kick and it was he who broke the deadlock in the extra time as well.
In the second semifinal, Al Smari had an easy time against NSV, winning in the end by 4-1.
The victors led by 1-0 in the first half by a goal from Abdul Latheef. In the second half,
Musthafa Manjeri was on target twice and Beeran Calicut scored the fourth goal for his
team. For NSV, the consolation goal came from the boot of Afsal.
Muhammed Saleem and N. V. Ramachandren, well known in the game amongst the Indian circles,
were the official referees for the semifinals.
The chief guests who graced the occasion were Nixon Verghees – working president of
pravasi Samrakshana Samithi and the principal of the Jasmine school - Utharn Vajapai.
Elaborate arrangements are being for the final showdown and the awarding, said Shakeeb of
the organizing committee.
The committee managing the show comprises M. T. Ashraf, Ayyub Khan Vizhimjam, Shakeeb,
Ashraf Kokkadam, P. V. Ashraf, E. K. Rasool Salam, Madhu Soodanam Nair, Ashraf
Vadakkerila, Shihab Mundakkayam, Kammu Chemmad, P. C. Ali, Jamal Panaroor, K. A. Rahman
and Louis Sebastian. |
