Skynet win Fair Play Award; AKFC’s Rafiq bags Top Scorer Award with 14 goals

The football World Cup has surely created a buzz and interest among fans. Football is one area in Kuwait that brings Indians of different cultures and societies together.

In an exciting finale to the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League, new entrants All Kerala Football Club (AKFC) were crowned champions of Kuwait for the prestigious J. P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy - season 2017~18.

The final was sponsored by M/s Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co.Though the match was played under floodlights, Kuwait’s summer winds and temperatures hovering around the 50°mark made it strenuous on the players and spectators.

AKFC beat formidable 6-time League winners Goa Maroons convincingly by 4-1 at the Bayan Grounds on 29th May 2018. Muhammed Sameel opened the scoring for AKFC with a penalty awarded for a foul just inside the D-area (1-0).Inzamam Nazer (2 goals), and substitute Haris scored the other goals for AKFC.

Maroons captain Steven Rodrigues pulled one back late in the match off a penalty rebound. The penalty was awarded after a Maroons player was brought down in the penalty area. The resultant kick was saved by AKFC goalkeeper Amees, however Steven slotted home the rebound.

AKFC, coached by Mubarak encouraged his team to play an attacking fast-paced game all throughout with captain Shanavas Puthiyedath, Jamsheel and Inzamam excelling in front.

Maroons’ players seemed tired in the second session after playing a well-organized first half. While the services of dependable defender Steven Correia (out with an injury) were dearly missed, stopper-back John Furtado had no clue in preventing the marauding Keralites. And if it was not for goalkeeper Britto, the margin of defeat would have been pathetic.

INZAMAM DAZZLES FOR AKFC

AKFC’s young striker Inzamam dazzled with an exceptional all-round display – amazing touch, ball control and footballing technique. Although he was substituted with a pulled muscle at the fag end, he had won the hearts of his team-mates and was rightly adjudged man of the match.

AKFC’s star striker Rafiq who was not in town to play the final match, won the Top Scorer of the Season with 14 goals. He was presented with a trophy, and a gold memento at the hands Mr. V.K. Vohra.

THE CHAMPIONS: AKFC

Amees Ahammed (Goalkeeper), Danish Mekuth, Safaf Kuniyil, Anthony Xavier, Noushad Thenamkunnu, Jamsheel Methalakath, Krishna Chandran, Muhammed Samel, Inzamam Nazer, Sameer Mannithodi, Shanavas Puthiyedath (captain), Prasad, Haris, Mansoor, Maneer, Ansar, Sanil, Naushad, etc.

Team Manager: Siddique

EXHIBITION MATCH

Prior to the finals, an exhibition match of budding footballers from Franco FA was played between Franco Football Academy Blues and Yellows. The match was won by Blues 7-6 after the teams were locked 1-1 after normal time.

Incidentally, Franco FA are Champions of Kuwait Academies Football Association (KAFA) League - Season 2017/2018. The young U-11 boys displayed incredible talent, grit & determination consistently throughout the season, winning the coveted KAFA League, in addition to several other Cup tournaments.

Players of the exhibition match were all awarded medallions and the Blues won a trophy. Head Coach of the team Darwin D’Cruz and Academy Director Merwin Franco were also awarded medallions.

KIFF PRESIDENT SPEAKS HIS HEART

KIFF President Mr. Derick Gomindes was the chief guest on the occasion while Mr. Gannem D. Hajji (Ministry of Interior) was guest of honor.

Mr. Merwin Franco of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co. was a special invitee along with KIFF Ex-Presidents and presidents of affiliated clubs. A number of other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

In the Presidential address, Derick Gomindes thanked the sponsors especially Gulf Cable, KIFF Managing Committee members, guests, affiliates and everyone associated with KIFF for the support rendered towards Indian football in Kuwait.