Riyadh: Royal Focus Line won the ‘Rifa Mega Cup Season Two’ organized by the Riyadh Indian Football Association. Out of 32 teams with more than 300 players, Youth India Soccer was the opponent in the Kalasha War. But Royal Focus, who watched the performance of the champions, defeated Youth India Soccer by two unopposed goals and won the ‘Tanmia Rifa Mega Cup’. Youth India, who performed well in the first rounds, were hampered by injuries in the finals. Royal Focus Line entered the final following defeating Sulai FC in the quarter and Blasters Vazhakadi in the semi. Youth India secured the final berth by beating Arabian Challengers and Azizia Soccer. A large crowd thronged the ISKCON ground on Riyadh Al Kharj Road on the holiday weekend to watch the final round matches.
The Rifa Mega Cup concluded with a new chapter in the history of expatriate football following three and a half decades. The football lovers who held the ball on their chests clapped their hands and cheered till dawn. Seven games including quarter matches were played on Friday. Saudi Arabian Football Federation referee wing members Ali Khahtwani and Mohammad Saad were the chief guests at the final. Both of them introduced the players at the closing ceremony. She was accompanied by social activist Shihab Kotukad, RIFA office bearers Bashir Chelembra, Saifu Karulai, Abdul Karim Payyanad and Shakeel Thiroorkad along with other office bearers, key supporters and journalists.
The Royal Focus Line captain and team members received the ‘Tanmia Rifa Mega Cup’ winners trophy from Chief Guest Ali Khahtwani and Tanmia representative Mustafa Kawwai. The crowd also joined in the cheers of the team who played well throughout the tournament. Sanoj of Focus Line received the King of the Match award from Shihab Kotukad.
The Youth Indian team members received the runner’s cup from Saudi referee Muhammad Saad and Ether Holidays representative Mubashir.