Qabazard, Al-Refai outclass rivals

Kumbar, Ibrahim team win

KUWAIT CITY, June 8: The organizing committee of the 21st Jabriya Martyrs Futsal Tournament has finalized all preparations for the tournament’s closing ceremony.

The tournament is being organized by Jabriya Cooperative Society at Mohammed Ismail Al-Ghanim School Hall under the sponsorship of Board Chairman of Jabriya Cooperative Society Hussain Mahmoud Dashti.

Before the kickoff of the final match, a friendly match between the old players of Jabriya area including Mansour and Hamid Basha, Ahmed Askar, Adel Yousef, Abdul Redha Abbas and the likes will take place.

The ceremony will also witness a variety of programs including a draw through which a number of winners from spectators will take valuable prizes. On day 7 of the tournament, Martyr Ahmad Qabazard team defeated Mousa Ashkanani team by 5-1 to qualify for the semifinals where they will face the Martyr Najib Al-Refai team.

The Martyr Najib Al-Refai team qualified for the semi finals after defeating the Martyr Wahid Safar by a score of 6-3 in a thrilling match in which player Mohammed Adel from Martyr Najib Al-Refai team was shown the red card.

The Martyr Ahmad Kumbar team qualified for the semis after seeing off the stubborn Martyr Sana Al-Foudri team in penalty-shootout with a score of 8-7 after the regular match ended in a draw with three goals each. The goalkeeper of Martyr Ahmad Kumbar team was treated as a hero when he saved the last penalty kick by Martyr Sana Al-Foudri team.

The Martyr Mohammed Ibrahim team qualified for the semis after thumping the Martyr Ibrahim Al Mansour team by a score of 4-0. They will face Martyr Ahmad Kumbar team in the semis. and make sure we get the three points off them on Saturday.

“Nigerians do not forgive losers easily and it is our responsibility to make the country proud whenever we are in action,” added the Turkey-based midfielder.

Hlatshwayo, a centre-back from South African champions Wits, was named captain this week by new England-born coach Stuart Baxter.

“It will be a baptism of fire as captain, but we have come close to beating them in our last two meetings and I think they are there for the taking this time.

“Although Nigeria are a proud and arrogant team, I believe we have now over-