IndianFootballFederationKuwait

INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION KUWAIT LEAGUE
The weather was unpleasant, yet the spirit of the teams and fans were high on 05th March 2010 at the ongoing Indian Football Federation Kuwait league being played on the Daya Astro Turf grounds. Three matches of the 14th round were held starting at 7am in the morning.
The first match was between DHL Football Club and MAC. DHL took the lead in the 45th second of the match through Rosario to go 1-0 up, but MAC replied back immediately to equalize through Feroze Peddyakil. The match was played at a fast pace as both the teams look to consolidate their positions in the league table. DHL upped the ante and applied sustained pressure on MAC and increased their lead through Roland and went in the lemon break with the score line reading 4-2. The second half was a one sided affair with DHL all over MAC territory and scored at will as MAC could not control the rampaging DHL forwards led by Rosario who scored a hat trick and midfield led by Roland who scored 5 goals in the match. Cruz completed the rout. Sahul Vemarath reduced the margin for MAC. The match ended with the score line reading 9-2 in favour of DHL and MAC once again succumbing to a yet another heavy defeat after starting promisingly.

The second match was played between title contenders Skynet and Fahaheel Bros. Skynet after convincing victory in the previous round were expected to do well in this match. Fahaheel Bros after defeat in the previous match were determined to make amends. Both the teams started positively at a normal pace. Fahaheel Bros increased the tempo of the match and opened the scoring through Nishant. Malayil Shafi increased the lead for Fahaheel Bros. Skynet were looking a bit disjointed in the midfield and defence and this resulted in Fahaheel Bros dominating the proceedings. Phillip Ferrao and Shabbir could not find the same rhythm and form as in the previous game. During lemon break Fahaheel Bros were sitting pretty with a comfortable lead of 2-0. In the second half Skynet simply gave up and Fahaheel Bros scored at will with Abdul Natukknandi scoring a hattrick and Eranjiyil also sounding the scoreboard. Skynet tried their best, but their effort was simply not enough to contain Fahaheel Bros who by now had got a complete hold of the match. Towards the latter stages of the match Shabbir of Skynet score the consolation goal and the match ended with a scoreline of 7-1 in favour of Fahaheel Bros.

In the third and final match league leaders AVC took on title contenders Don Bosco Oratory. AVC suffered a setback before kickoff when Francis Jr (groin) and Majed (knee) were ruled out of the match. DBO on other hand were poised to create an upset and cut AVC’s lead at the top of the table. The match started in a frantic fashion and AVC almost scored in the 4th minute of the game when Melvy’s header missed a fraction from entering the net after a crisp cross from Kevin. Melvy was again unlucky as his thundering shot hit the cross bar and went out. Much against the run of play DBO stunned their fancied opponent when Ronny latched on beautifully to a defence splitting pass from Liston and beat Alvaro with a neat finish. The early goal brought the best out of AVC and Benny’s header almost missed the target. AVC piled up more pressure on DBO and the referee pointed to the dreaded spot when DBO’s goalkeeper Blesson brought AVC’s striker down in the box. AVC’s midfielder Agnelo Miranda equalized from the spot kick. AVC went ahead with Anthony adding to his tally of 16 goals with a thunderous scorcher when put through by Kevin and go into the lemon break 2-1 up. The second half started with DBO searching for an equaliser and AVC trying to consolidate the lead. DBO’s Leo with his long crosses created panic in AVC’s makeshift defence, but bold defending by Peter with able support from Benny kept DBO at bay. Anthony of AVC missed a glorious chance when put in by Jimon, rounded the goalkeeper, but took the ball too deep and DBO survived. Michael of DBO kept up the pressure on AVC’s midfield and defence, but the forwards Larry and Peter could not capitalize. Both the teams played competitive soccer, but in the end seasoned campaigners AVC with experience and skill prevailed against DBO. AVC so far has maintained a clean sheet in the league and are in an impregnable position to win the title.
The matches were supervised by M.Crasto, Tony D’Costa, C.Fernandes, Sarto Baptista, D.Sharma, Junifer Rodrigues, C.O. John and Diago Rebello of the famed Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA).

The schedule of the 15th round to be played on 12th March 2010 at the Daiya Grounds is as follows:
1St Match Dominic Savio v/s Fahaheel Bros
2nd Match Skynet v/s Santos United
3rd Match DHL v/s Veterans.


[Report by IFFK press desk]