Dubai: Dubai International School (DIS), Al Quoz, defeated Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeirah, in a penalty shoot-out to set up a semi-final clash with defending champions Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou in the U-16 category of the Dubai Schools Cup on Saturday.
In the second semi-final, last year’s runner-up International School of Choueifat will take on newcomers Salman Farsi Boys School. DIS had raised their game earlier by defeating favourites Dubai National School Al Barsha 3-1. Their winning streak saw them through a tough penalty shoot-out in their quarter finals against Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeirah. The winner of the tournament will get an opportunity to watch the Manchester Derby in April.
Strong contenders in the U14 boy’s category are Rashid Bin Saeed School for boys and Le Lycee Libanais Francophone Prive. The other two schools moving forward are National Charity School and Lycee Francais International Georges Pompidou.
Ali Omar, Director of Sports Development Department at Dubai Sports Council, said: “The Dubai Schools Cup provides Dubai schoolchildren from all nationalities with a unique platform where their skills are tested every week and they have to up their game continuously to stay in the competition. Every week I discover new talent, and I have no doubt some of these young players have a promising future ahead.”
Dubai Schools Cup Director, Michel Salgado, who was present for the matches, said: “What is unique about the Dubai Schools Football Cup is what we call pure football — it is like creating a tournament for kids of all footballing capabilities from street football and upwards and it is great to see these amazing kids competing.”
