KUWAIT CITY, April 26: Bridgestone and Castrol sponsored IFFK league champions AVC - Kuwait (Goa), pioneers of Indian and Goan football in Kuwait will clash with strong contenders Fahaheel Brothers (Kerala) in the finals of the Indian Football Federation (I.F.F - Kuwait) tournament.
The finals will be played on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Kuwait Telecommunication (KTV) ground, next to the famous Soor grounds, earlier popularly known as Navelim practice ground. The finals will start at 8.30 am.
Newly formed Indian Football Federation- Kuwait will revive the lost glory of Soor grounds by bringing back football to the city venue thereby providing an opportunity to a large number of football lovers who throng the city on Fridays as after attending the Church service they could come and watch this match. The clash is pitted as a Goa v/s Kerala showdown.
AVC-Kuwait thrashed their arch rivals Don Bosco in the semifinals by a margin of 4-0.
AVC-Kuwait playing vintage football went into the lead as early as the 10th minute when Melvy headed in a beautifully floated free kick by ex-Churchill Brothers mid-fielder Francis Fernandes. Melvy again was at the helm of affairs when he met a cross from right wing Francis Jr and guided the ball into the net giving AVC-Kuwait a 2-0 cushion. The 2 goals scored by Melvy were of top quality and equally good as any goal you see in a European Premier league match.
AVC could have gone up by 3 goals in the first half but only for Francis Jr, who looked like he forgot his boots at home, missed an easy sitter with only the goalkeeper at his mercy shooting feebly into his hands. AVC went into the lemon break with a 2-0 lead.
Don-Bosco came into the 2nd half with renewed vigor and tried to exert pressure on the AVC citadel but the AVC defence marshalled by Vincy Periera, Benny D’Silva, standing captain Peter Crasto and Francis Jr stood firm. Bosco’s resistance lasted for a few minutes as AVC brought in super sub Kevin Vaz who had begun his career with AVC and still plays for them.
Kevin scored 2 quick-fire goals inside 5 minutes and closed the match for AVC fizzling out whatever resistance the Bosco boys could exert on their much experienced opponents.
The match ended in favor of AVC by a margin of 4-0. Braulio and AVC new recurit Anthony Rodrigues were flashed out the yellow card by IFRA referee Tony. Braulio and Anthony will sit out in the finals because of earlier bookings.
The other semi finals were played between Fahaheel Brothers and Dominic Savio. Fahaheel Brothers beat their young opponents by a 3-0 margin.
Dominic Savio team mostly comprising of youngsters began proceedings in an earnest manner and could have gone into the lead against their much fancied rivals who are known for their robust and tough playing methods but Dominic Savio forwards missed some easy sitters.
Both teams went into the lemon break with a clean slate.
Fahaheel Bros started the 2nd half brilliantly and went into the lead through their mid-fielder Sufi who lashed out a scorching pile driver which entered the nets giving no chance to the Dominic Savio goalkeeper. After this goal there was no looking back for Fahaheel Bros as they increased the lead and put all issues beyond the young Dominic Savio team.
The final score read 3-0 in favour of Fahaheel Bros.
The Friday finals will bring back many a memory in the minds of Indian football fans in Kuwait who used to throng the Soor Grounds. Fahaheel Bros who are famous for robust play and hard tackles will be a constant threat to their fancied rivals AVC who play copy book football.
Mickey Pachecho honorable minister for tourism with the Goa government will attend this clash of the titans and will be the chief guest.