By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait
Kuwait City, Jan 7, 2008: Those expecting a tough tussle between hosts Navelim Youth Centre and AVC Overseas Association in keeping with the high importance given to this match were absolutely correct. The game rose to soaring heights as expected by supporters and spectators; both the teams played 'high-tension' football and were locked 1-1 during regulation time. AVC turned out to be the lucky ones in the tie-breaker as Navelim let down their supporters failing in the very first 2 kicks. AVC won 5-3 overall.
NYC Sports Secretary Avelino Dias and one of the Legends of Kuwait Indian Football talking after the match said, "We did everything in the game but were unlucky not to win. We could have been one or two up early on. Anyway, I'am very pleased for the boys, and at the same time a little disappointed at the loss..."
Chances flowed freely from the start with Navelim creating better openings through their midfielders Americo, Duarte Ferrao and Ivo Rodrigues. AVC attacked from the wings while Navelim strikers Cruzedio Rodrigues and Ivo D'Costa dazzled upfront. However, all their tries were either saved by the experienced Alvaro under the AVC bar or kicked away to safety by AVC defenders. Long passes and aerial balls were well intercepted by AVC defence led by stopper back Francis Fernandes and wing back Ronnie.
The relentless pace of the match continued after the break with Navelim pushing forward at every available opportunity while AVC played a more measured game. Navelim players moved in such organized cohesion that it looked imminent they would take the lead. But AVC struck eight minutes into the second half with a fine free-kick by Francis that beat goalkeeper Britto Pereira in the Navelim goal. Navelim re-grouped immediately and created a number of openings on the left flank through Ivo Rodrigues, Americo and Simon Gaunkar and succeeded in drawing level within ten minutes off Cruzedio who put the finishing touch on Sydney's cross by directing a powerful header from close range (1-1).
The later part of the match saw a see-saw battle between the teams with the ball moving frenetically from one end to other. Braulio, Kevin Vaz and Niaso Martin played stellar roles for AVC. NYC fought tirelessly with Duarte Ferrao, Cruzedio and Joaquim Rodrigues playing to their full potential.
AVC Overseas Association
AVC goalkeeper Alvaro denied Navelim atleast three times in the last quarter of play before NYC's Americo missed a sitter and referee Philip Ferrao turned a Nelson's eye to an apparent foul on NYC striker inside the penalty box.
Lady Luck which is a personification of luck that is often involved in gambler's superstitions evaded Navelim in the tie-breaker gamble as the first two spot-kicks were squandered by Navelim's highly experienced Gasper and Simon with Alvaro caught on the wrong foot. AVC were right on target with Joseph Quadros, Francis Fernandes, Ronnie and Nicholas while only Duarte and Sydney succeeded for Navelim.
The 18th edition of the tournament organized by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) is played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) and officiated by Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA). The games are played Friday mornings at Salmiya Grounds, Kuwait. The NYC Rolling trophy, perhaps one of the most uniquely sculpt trophies worldwide, was instituted in the year 1993.
In another tough match Fahaheel Bros overcame a stiff challenge by Kerala Challengers to win a marathon sudden death tie-breaker 5-4 from 9 penalties each.
Fahaheel Bros
Kerala Challengers depended mostly on wing attacks but Fahaheel Bros defence was too strong to let anything past them. Fahaheel nearly scored in the fifth minute, but Muneer's header off Riyas' cross went wide. A minute later, Muneer had another chance but his shot was saved by Fahaheel goalkeeper.
Fahaheel Bros scored through Saleih, Abdul Kader, Muneer, Liyakathul and Riyas Babu while only Antony Joseph, Haridas, Mohammed, Majeed Rahman scored for Kerala Challengers. Dixon Benedict's try was saved by Fahaheel Bros goalkeeper to clinch victory in the sudden death.
In the first quarter-final match of the tournament Don Bosco Oratory shocked fancied Bombay Boys 3-2 to make their first appearance in the semis. Don Bosco produced several attacking moves within a space of minutes. The ever impressive Roshan Dias, Ratan Dogra and Jonas Figuiera provided a string of crosses from both flanks. Goalkeeper Adrian Dias came to Bombay Boy's rescue when he blocked a header from Steven Rodrigues following a cross by Custodio Ataide. Roshan, Steven and substitute Deigo D'Souza scored for the winners while Seby Fernandes and Rosario Barbosa scored for Bombay Boys.
Quarter Final Fixtures on Friday 11/01/2008
GROUND A
DHL v/s Kuwait Goans
Fahaheel Bros v/s Curtorcares United
GROUND B
AVC Overseas Association v/s CRC Chinchinim
