AVC - KUWAIT RETAIN UG TROPHY Defending Champions AVC- Kuwait donning a new look and sponsored by shipping giants Trans Continental Shipping Company retained the UG Trophy defeating Kuwait Goans Association by 1 goal to nil.
The game started with KGA dominating the opening session of the first half but their strikers Kevin and Ashton could not get past the stubborn AVC defense. KGA backed by a vociferous crowd mounted attacks on AVC's citadel. AVC after a dismal performance throughout this tournament soon realized the pressure and regained composure and the fluency which they are known for came to known as the half line manned by Braulio, Jimmy & Edward moved in tandem and it was just a matter of time for the KGA to succumb and in one such moved they nearly forged ahead with Molvit failing to beat Conny in KGA goal who made a splendid save. In the 25th minute a diagonal pass from Braulio was met by AVC's talisman Molvito who beat KGA keeper's outstretched hand to score a scintillating goal which reminded everyone of Hernan Crespo of Argentina/Chelsea. With this goal AVC eased the pressure and allowed KGA's occasional forays and were lucky not to surrender the lead as former AVC striker Kevin's header was smartly saved by Jose in AVC's goal. After the breather AVC's coach Alvaro Dias unleashed more firepower by substituting injured Jimmy and tiring goal scorer Molvit with young guns Stephen and Ronny. The second half was completely dominated by AVC with Elvis, Peter and Alex giving no room to KGA strikers. Veteran Francis Sr. who played a stellar role in helping the defense and half line diffused any moves from KGA half line by timely interceptions and slick slides. AVC peppered KGA goal with swarms of attacks led by the creative triumvirate of Braulio, Edwin and Edward the last named was awarded the player of the finals for superb ball control in midfield. As time was ticking to its close KGA went all out for the equalizer and resorted to aerial route and in one such move AVC's ace goalkeeper Jose held on his nerve after a goal line save by Francis Jr. who played his heart out to keep KGA at bay. With KGA pouring on AVC's territory with all their might AVC instead of going on complete defensive resorted to play offensive a move which caught KGA off guard, but AVC's forwards missed easy sitters with only the keeper at their mercy. At the final whistle AVC's fans erupted with joy. It must be noted that in this season AVC has the unique distinction for being in all the four finals of the 1st four tournaments conducted by KIFF so far. Such has been the domination of AVC -Kuwait on Soor grounds that even before the draw is held fans predict that AVC will be in the finals and the team has not let them down. Whatever the future may hold the present surely belongs to AVC and the untiring efforts of the whole team along with the Team Manager Donald Colaco, Coach Alvaro Dias and President John Furtado have paid rich dividends.
