Courtesy: Gulf Daily News


Saudis score big win over Bahrain

by Rami Hulayyel

Sunday, September 11, 2011

BAHRAIN'S bid to reclaim the GCC Futsal Championship title for the Hearing Impaired suffered a setback last night following a heavy 2-11 defeat at the hands of defending champions Saudi Arabia.

In a one-sided opener, held at the Khalifa Sports City's gym in Isa Town, the Saudis put up a splendid show and outplayed the home side.

Majid Al Asmari was the hero for the winners, scoring six goals in the fifth, eighth, 11th, 12th, 13th and 38th minutes, sending a strong warning to the other contestants.

Other players on target for the visiting team included a hat-trick by Majid Al Shammari (7th, 30th &39th minutes) and Hamad Al Awi (9th & 39th).

Bahrain, who clinched the title once in the second edition in 1999 in Saudi Arabia, were unable to match their opponents who showed outstanding teamwork and exceptional skills. The home team's goals were scored by Akbar Salman in the eighth and 25th minutes.

Coached by Jamal Hassan, Bahrain were also represented by Khalaf Abdulla, Ahmed Tawfeeq, Akbar Salman, Farooq Ebrahim, Hassan Yousef, Mohammed Ali, Mohamed Salem, Yousf Ahmed, Khalil Ebrahim and Sayed Isa Khalil.

Headed
Saudi Arabia, who headed into yesterday's game seeking a morale-boosting start, were indeed the strongest side in the match, scoring from all over the court for an emphatic victory.

The Saudis went all out right from the start, taking a 7-1 lead at half-time to virtually put the scores beyond reach.

The victors were spearheaded by Abdulla Ali, Taleb Aaish, Mohammed Faisal, Majid Awad, Mohammed Ali, Abdulla Mohammed, Hamid Hasan, Hazan Zamil, Khuwailed Ayedh and Abdulmajeed Al Jawadi.

Bahrain Olympic _Committee's secretary general Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa inaugurated the tournament at the opening ceremony.

Shaikh Ahmed welcomed the participating teams from across the Gulf region, and wished them success.

Tournament action continues tonight with two matches on the second day when Kuwait face off with the UAE at 4pm. It will be followed by Saudi Arabia vs Oman game at 5.30pm.

Bahrain's second match is scheduled for tomorrow when they take on Oman at 4pm, while the UAE meet Saudi Arabia at 5.30pm.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com