Reigning champion TSS Real Kerala FC defeated Nadec Blue Star B 2-0 to top Group B in Division A of the SIFF-Rabea Tea Champions League at the Hilal Sham Stadium near Khalid Bin Waleed Street here. Nadec Blue Star B, which finished second in the group, joined Real Kerala the in semis. In the second match of the day, FC Quwaisa defeated Youth India FC 1-0 in Division C. Both the teams failed to qualify for the semifinals. Jamesh Puthanpurakkal of FC Quwaisa was adjudged the Player of the Match. The league championship, organized by Saudi Indian Football Forum, is mainly sponsored by Rabea Tea and supported by Al-Abeer Medical Group, Jeddah National Hospital, TSS Advertising, Fathima Food Stuff, Gamon Group, Kathir Rice, Al-Ryan Polyclinic and Sharafiya Trading. Blue Star could have topped the pool had it managed a draw in this crucial match. But Real Kerala had other ideas. Its striker Nishad Kolakkadan created panic in Blue Star defense with his pace and dribbling skill. Real Kerala midfielder Ramees Ahmed spearheaded most of its attacks. Real Kerala went for the break with a 1-0 lead through Nishad's stunning volley. In the second half, Sirajuddin Peringoli increased Real Kerala lead to 2-0. Ramees Ahmed of Real Kerala was named the Player of the Match. Friday's matches (From 8:00 p.m.): Indonesian International School vs. Al-Noor International School (Inter-School); International Indian School Jeddah vs. Bangladesh International School (Inter-School); Sharafiya Trading Zabin FC vs. VLCC Blue Star A (Division A).
