United Friends Club reign supreme
*KIFF League for J P D’Mello Trophy in Kuwait.
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
KUWAIT, AUG 31
United Friends Club beat Curtarcares United 6-4 via the tie-breaker in the pulsating final clash under floodlights of Kuwait Indian Football Federation league 09-10 for the glittering J P D’Mello memorial trophy organized by KIFF Kuwait recently at Kazma Stadium, Adeliya.
Curtarcares United took the early lead through their star players Zico and Roland Fernandes but the spirited United Friends Club put up a brave fight and in the first half itself they levelled the score through their hardworking players Rosario and Godwin Fernandes (2-2).
The second half too started at a fast pace and the teams tried very hard to overpower each other but their efforts bore no fruits and the match went into the extra-time. In the tie-breaker United Friends Club outplayed their opponents Curtarcares United 4-2.
Earlier the teams were escorted by school teams and children with balloons. Special guest Ajai Malhotra, India’s Ambassador in Kuwait, was introduced to the players by KIFF president, Fidelis Fernandes. Speaking on the occasion, Malhotra congr atulated the organisers for their commendable efforts for a full fledged league running throughout the year outside India and promoting the Indian football in Kuwait.
Later the organizers released a colourful 44-page souvenir through Malhotra. Fidelis highlighted the tremendous support accorded by his KIFF colleagues and in a special way Bader Naser Al Kharafi, Chairman of Gulf Cable and Electrical Company for sponsoring the KIFF League, Asad Al Banwar, Chairman of Kazma Sports Club for providing the stadium.
The final was officiated by FIFA referee Franky Fernandes who was specially flown from Goa. He was assisted by Derrick Gomendes, Jerry Mello and P. A. Tony.
