Dubai: It was a soccer tournament with a difference. The American Scientific School in Dubai organised a five-a-side soccer tournament at their school ground.
Al Diyafah High School dominated the tournament and emerged as the champions in this league-cum knock-out event.
Al Diyafah won their first match of the league round beating hosts American Scientific School 8-3.
Ali Shehabi of Al Diyafah scored five goals while Rahil, Brandon and Erron added one goal each.
Their second match against Al Ittihad Private school, Jumeirah was a tough game. They edged Al Ittihad 6-4. Shehabi once again emerged as the hero scoring three goals. Josanto D'Souza scored two goals while Rahil Arif scored one goal.
In the third round match, Al Diyafah beat Creative Science, Sharjah 5-2 through the exploits of Shehabi. He scored three crucial goals while Rahil Arif chipped in with two.
Exciting match
Al Diyafah won the fourth round match with ease. They thrashed American Scientific School 'B' team 7-2. Shehabi scored three, Josanto scored two while Dillon and Erron scored one each.
Al Diyafah High School Dubai and Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeirah who topped the league round, met in the final.
It was an exciting match right from the start. Al Diyafah failed to convert a penalty in regular time. Both teams displayed excellent ball control. The regular time ended with the scores at 3-3.
Shehabi scored two goals while Josanto scored one for Diyafah.
In the penalty shootout, Pruthvi Purabia, the goal keeper of Al Diyafah produced a magnificent save while Josanto, Rahil and Brandon scored for Diyafah. Al Ittihad could net only two goals and Al Diyafah won 6-5.
Creative Science Sharjah, defeated Dubai American Scientific School 6-4 to clinch the third position.
Shehabi, who scored 17 goals won the most valuable player of the tournament award.
Aby John the Al Diyafah team coach said: "My boys played hard and they deserved to win."
