KUWAIT CITY, Dec 6: Don Bosco were in rollicking form in their first round match of the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League 2011-12 for J.P D’Mello Memorial Trophy played at the MOH Grounds, Shuwaikh. Don Bosco blanked Santos United 3-0 after dominating the entire match. They led 2-0 at the break with goals from Leroy Rodrigues and Michael Dias. Captain Steven Correia, one of the most vibrant footballers in the league put it beyond reach of Santos from a penalty kick in the second half. Steven was later adjudged man of the match. The man-of-the-match trophies presented at the end of every KIFF league game are sponsored by Kuwait’s Al Muzaini Exchange Co. The next match between Gulf Cable and Santos FC was an evenly contested game. Both teams fought for supremacy and the spectators saw goals at either ends. However, the match ended 2-2. Shafi and Nirmal Joseph scored for Gulf Cable while Rosario Gomes and Cruzinho Rodrigues found the net for Santos FC.

Nirmal Joseph who was declared man of the match was presented with the trophy at the hands of KIFF’s past president Tony Correia. The third match of the day between Rising Stars and Malabar United which turned out to be a balanced contest. Majority of the match was played out in a tightly packed midfield; the only chances created throughout the match were long range efforts. Rising Stars came close through Sumesh whose shot blazed over the Malabar goal. The best chance of the match came off Noushad of Malabar United who enjoyed an excellent game on the right flank. However, the crossbar denied his power packed shot. The match ended a goalless draw with either teams sharing a point each.

The last match saw temperatures soaring on and off the pitch on a chilly Kuwait morning. Referee Edward had a harrowing time controlling the game which warranted a bit of high-intensity surveillance from the official. Edward flashed innumerable yellows, AVC’s Lucian earned his second midway into the other half of the match and was lawfully shown off the field. AVC dominated possession and their game plan almost paid off. Anthony from AVC came near to scoring off a close range shot in the first half that rebounded off the post only to be gathered by the Real Betalbatim goalkeeper.

It was Anthony’s beautiful run down the left flank that eventually broke the deadlock in the second half. Having dribbled past the Betalbatim defence, he had a perfect cross for his captain and man of the match Braulio who netted home. Once on the lead, AVC kept possession of the ball and toyed out rest of the match to take home 3 points and stay atop their group.

KIFF League Fixture (09/12/2011):
CRC Chinchinim vs Curtorcares United at 6.45 am
Kuwait Goan Association vs Santos FC at 8.00 am
United Friends Club vs United Goans Center at 9.15 am
DHL Football Club vs Skynet Raider Football Club at 10.30 am.