Julio Cardoso
Pics: Lino G Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Sep 6: DHL Kuwait performed another of Houdini’s great escape when the luck of the coin favoured them for the second time in as many matches in the ongoing SFX Ramadan Soccer tournament being played at the Digital Ground in downtown Kuwait.
Playing against Duler Boys in the second semi-final on Friday, DHL could not find the net against the Mapusa boys who kept good ball possession and ensured the game went to the tie breaker. In the penalty shootout, Ian, Steven and Sandy scored for Duler Boys, while Terrence, Elvis and Alex found the goal for DHL. As per tournament rules, referee Sarto Baptista tossed the coin since the allotted 5 penalties each ended in a draw, and DHL captain Terrence called correctly to ensure his team a spot in the finals.
Earlier United Friends Club (UFC), firm favourites at the start of the tournament also survived an onslaught from a star studded Livrament Boys and won in the tie-breaker 4-3, after the match had ended goalless. UFC goalkeeper Martin, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a penalty specialist, brought off an all important save to ensure his team a berth in the final. Martin, Teotino, Alex, and Edwin scored for UFC while Kennedy, Bernard and Tiego scored for Livrament Boys. The matches were officiated by Sarto Baptista, Richard and Francis of IFRA.
Both DHL Kuwait and Livrament Boys had earlier on Thursday beaten strong opponents in the quarter finals to ensure their places in the semi-finals. Livrament Boys were lucky to beat the organizers team SFX, who controlled most of the match but could not convert the chances they had. The match having ended goalless, Livrament Boys qualified in the tiebreaker 4-3. Judas, Carlos and Remedies scored for SFX while Vico, Tiego, Bernard and Lawrence scored for the winners.
In the other quarter final match, DHL Kuwait beat CRC Chinchinim 3-2 in the tie breaker after normal time had ended goalless. Godfrey, Elvis and Jose Calaido scored for DHL while only Carlos and Sunny could find the net for CRC. Both the matches were officiated by C.O John, Liston and Francis.
The finals between DHL Kuwait and United Friends Club and third and fourth place play off between Livrament and CRC Chinchinim are scheduled to be held on Thursday, 9th September 2010 at 5:00pm (sharp). The organizers of the SFX Unity Cup, Albert Pinto, Nazy Azavedo, Mariano Fernandes and Joe Pereira, have requested all the teams to report on time.
The winners and runners up will receive Gold Biscuits as well as prizes for the players. Gifts will also be awarded to the third place winners, first goal of the tournament, fair play, upcoming player, promising player, best player of the tournament, oldest player, highest scorer, first goal of the final, best goalkeeper of the final, best defender of the final, best midfielder of the final and best forward of the final. The tournament has been sponsored by a host of well wishers.