Sharjah triumph at U-14 football tournament

Sharjah edged past Al Wehdat club of Jordan to clinch the Sharjah Club International Tournament title on Thursday. Staying unbeaten during the five-day tournament, the U-14 team of Sharjah club held the nerves to overcome their Jordanian rival 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Sharjah Sports Club.

Sharjah, who won three matches and drew one matches during their campaign, needed victory in their last match to claim the crown as Egyptian club Zamalek were on 10 points after losing their last encounter against 0-1 against Al Arabi from Kuwait.

Playing under pressure to collect all three vital points and lay hands on the trophy, Sharjah opened the account through their star striker Khalid, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to round the goalkeeper and net the goal after few minutes into the game.

Al Wehdat equalized through Suhaib Emad after the lemon break. Both team tried their best to gain upper hand but failed to convert the opportunities. Sharjah held their ground with less possession, and instead looked to try and pick Al Wehdat off when they could.

The trick paid off as Badr managed to dodge the opposition goalkeeper in the dying minutes of the game and put Sharjah 2-1 ahead. Young lads from Sharjah kept their lead intact despite some desperate attempts from Al Wehdat to restore parity.

Earlier, Zamalek, who had chances to take top honours, were pipped by Al Arabi Kuwait in a bruising clash.

The Kuwaiti club took the lead when Khalid Al Hajeri found the back of the net through superb strike leaving Egyptian club’s goalkeeper stunned. Despite trying to make a comeback in the game, Zamalek failed to find the equalized and players from both sides entered into a heated clash when few minutes were left in the match.

Al Wasl finished third in the tournament after beating Khorfakkan 3-1 in another match played on the final day of the event.

Sponsored by Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Sports Club, Fast Building Contracting Company and Air Arabia, the nine-a-side U-14 tournament attracted teams from UAE, Egypt and Kuwait.

Prominent among those who were present during the presentation were former UAE football Jasem Mohammad Al Doukhi, Muhsin Musabah, President of Sharjah club and Tournament Director Tareq Salim Abdullah Saeed Al Khanbashi.

Khanbashi expressed delight over the success of the tournament. Sharjah coach Waleed Sultan hailed the his team’s character and determination after winning the title.

“We deserved to win the match and I want to congratulate the players for this important victory, said Sultan.”