By Gasper Crasto for Team Mangalorean Kuwait
 
Kuwait Nov 26: Strong contenders India beat Thailand 3-1 in the 4th Kuwait African International Football Tournament organized by The Lighthouse Church (TLC) at the Digital Ground, Sharq, Kuwait City on 20th November 2009.

The first quarter of the game was equally poised with either teams figuring out how to get the better of the other. Both teams had their chances with Thailand putting up a great deal effort to get the lead.

About seven minutes into the second half, the Thailand goalkeeper was drawn out from the goal in pursuit of the ball. Indian striker Duarte Ferrao beat him to it and crossed to unmarked Cruzedio who slipped a shot into the unprotected net for a 1-0 lead. Duarte could have increased the lead soon after but his goal bound shot off a corner kick ricocheted off a defender.

India were the aggressors early on while Thailand came out very confident after the break.  The Indians however brushed aside the Thais with a final score of 3-1 thanks to a brace by India captain Cruzedio Rodrigues and a super goal by striker Duarte Ferrao.

Leading 2-0 at the break, India roller coastered their way until Thailand pulled one back against the run of play. They succeeded in putting one past Indian goalkeeper Britto Pereira who was beaten hands down. India, however, were able to maintain possession and hold off the Thais for the victory. Cruzedio sealed the victory with a goal ten minutes from the end (3-1).

Simao and Seby Barbosa played well for the winners in midfield backed up by a strong Indian defence comprising of John Furtado, Joaquim Rodrigues and Wilson Pires. In the group’s other match mighty Egypt were held 1-1 by Ethiopia. India lead the group with six points from two matches.

The tournament continues on Friday 27th November 2009 at the Sharq Digital Grounds, Kuwait City. 

J.P. D’Mello KIFF League Football

Navelim, Kuwait Goans held - GOA Maroons thrash Santos FC 6-0

Kuwait: Defending champions Goa Maroons trounced Santos Football Club by a tennis score of 6-0 in the J.P D’Mello KIFF League played at MOH ground Shuwaikh on Friday 20th November 2009.

The highlight of the match was a brilliant hattrick by GOA Maroons striker John Kennedy Ferrao. The other scorers were Steven Correia with a brace and Philip Dias.

Santos defender Peter was shown the yellow card by the referee for hacking down a Maroons player.

In the second match, star studded Navelim Youth Centre came from behind to level terms with Curtorcares United and salvage a 2-2 draw.

Curtorcares United took a very early lead through Minguel Mouro. They led 1-0 at the breather. The youngsters increased their lead in the second half again through Minguel Mouro. Navelim did not lose hopes and their never say die attitude bore fruits as hardworking and mercurial striker Cruzedio Rodrigues came to the rescue scoring 2 goals and bringing the match to a 2-2 draw at full time.

The other match between Kuwait Goans Association (KGA) and CRC Chinchinim was a equally contested affair. KGA forged ahead in the 20th minute of the first half through a goal by Pradip Naik, a fine header off the corner kick. KGA were 1-0 up during the lemon break.

CRC came back in the second half with renewed ideas. They raided the KGA citadel with sporadic moves bringing utmost pressure on the KGA defence and their efforts were rewarded in the dying minutes of the match as a long range power packed shot by CRC striker and captain Sonny Gomes found KGA goalkeeper Conny stranded on the line. 

All the matches were officiated by KIFF referees. Jerry D’Mello, Gasper, Bernardo Fernandes, PA Tony, Nazi Azavedo, Rosario and Robert Simon were the officials of the day.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) will hold their 7 a-side football tournament on the 2nd day of Eid. The tournament will be in association with Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) and is open for teams affiliated with KIFF only.
Friday’s (27.11.2009) Schedule of the League

United Friends Club v/s United Goan Strikers - 7:00 am
Navelim Youth Club v/s Santos Football Club – 8:15 am
Goa Maroons v/s Curtorcares United - 9:30 am

KIFF LEAGUE 2009-10 for J.P D'Mello Rolling Trophy
Teams Standing as of 20th November 2009

GROUP A
Position	Teams	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
1	Curtorcares United	2	1	1	0	7	2	5	4
2	Navelim YC	2	1	1	0	6	4	2	4
3	GOA Maroons	1	1	0	0	6	0	6	3
4	YRC Rising stars	1	0	0	1	2	4	-2	0
5	Santos Football Club	2	0	0	2	0	11	-11	0
GROUP B
Position	Teams	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
1	Kuwait Goans Association	2	1	1	0	5	2	3	4
2	Fahaheel Brothers	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
3	Indian Strikers	2	1	0	1	2	4	-2	3
4	CRC, Chinchinim	2	0	2	0	1	1	0	2
5	United Goans Strikers	2	0	1	1	0	1	-1	1
6	United Friends Club	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0

Complete Coverage

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Kuwait African International Soccer: India beat Ethiopia, Egypt draw with Thailand

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Kuwait: Afro-Asian International Football Tournament off to a grand start