Malabar and DHL Advance to the 37th Edition of UGC Finals

Report by: Joseph Gonsalves

 DHL

Malabar

Don Bosco took on last years winners Malabar and both teams put on a good performance to entertain the spectators in cold weather conditions. The 37^th UGC football tourney is sponsored by Al-Mulla Exchange. The match was referred by Sarto, Niklas and Francis. Malabar took the lead early through a defensive mistake by Don Bosco. Binu Jose scored two crucial goals to take them to another finals of the 37^th UG rolling trophy. Don Bosco began to get into the game and had many good chances to equalize. Ronny of Don Bosco sent in many good crosses and Vicky was able to get a fine header to equalize for Don Bosco.  Malabar were busy in the second half defending in the back but once they got the lead from a fine effort from Binu Jose they began to attack confidently and maintain possession. Don Bosco had a good chance to get a equalizer in the dying minutes of the game, but the effort was just wide of the post. Malabar last years winners have made it to the final yet again where they will face DHL.

In the second semi-final DHL took on Curtocares. The speed with which Curtocares play was always going to be a threat to DHL and in the first minute Curtocares had a shot on target.  Curtocares dominated possession in the first half, passed the ball well among themselves. No.22 Cleto was rewarded from his long range effort  seeing the keeper slightly off position to put Curtocares in the lead. DHL was busy defending and their keeper was tested several times. The hard work of Seby from DHL paid off when he equalized towards the end of first half. His shot from inside the dee could not be kept out by the keeper. In the second half, Curtocares failed to make a good clearance from a corner and when the ball landed on Sebys feet he made no mistake to find the back of the net to give DHL the lead. The match ended 2-1 in DHL’s favor.

UGC 37^th Tourney Finals:
Jan 25^th, 2013:  8:30am @ MOH Shuwaikh Grounds