YRC Rising Stars came from a goal down to beat FC Sparks 3-2 in an absorbing final of the ‘Veterans Cup’ organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played last Friday on the MOH ground in Shuwaikh.
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Rising Stars captain receiving the trophy from KIFF president Fidelis
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| Eijaz of Rising Stars |
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| FC Sparks lost in the final 2-3 |
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| Referee Simon collecting cheque on behalf of IFRA from Tony Dias |
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| The runners up - Sparks FC |
The annual veterans tournament organized for non registered players above the age of 35 featured a total of 16 teams including FC Sparks, DHL FC, Santos United, YRC Rising Stars, AVC sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Challengers, Skynet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers A & B, Curtorcares, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim FC, United Goans Centre, Don Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club.
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| The winners - Rising Stars |
Rising Stars who have won this unique tournament more than any other team found themselves down by a goal in the very 4th minute of the first half when prolific scorer Baheer scored directly from a free kick which eluded the outstretched hands of Ronnie in the Rising goal. Eijaz of Rising Stars however equalized immediately afterwards when he wriggled his way past three defenders to slot home from close range. Baheer scored again in the second half for FC Sparks, but Abdulla and Muneer found the net for Rising Stars as Rising Stars were all over a visibly tiring Sparks’s defense.
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| Man of the match Eijaz receiving has award from Lorry Pinto |
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| Oldest Player Johnny receiving his award from Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb |
During the brief presentation ceremony, KIFF President thanked the participating teams and the sponsors for their usual support and IFRA for officiating the matches. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb handed over the award to Johnny for being the oldest player on the field at 60, Amaldo handed over the best disciple team of the tournament to Santos United, Fr. Britto a visiting priest from India, Tony Correia, and Tony Dias handed over the various trophies, while Eijaz was rightfully declared the man of the match and received his award from Lorry Pinto. The glittering winner’s trophy was handed over to the winners by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.
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| Benny of Santos United receiving the best disciplined team trophy from Amaldo |
During the tournament which was well attended, a bingo game was conducted by Bernard on behalf of KIFF while Kevin Vaz compered the days proceedings. The tournament was sponsored by Raymond D'Sa, Tony Correia, Xavier Furtado, Damien D'Cruz, Tony Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, Amaldo Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Mrs. Virginia Pinto and B. M. Viegas
Report by: Julio Cardoso
