Gaza Stars stroll in Ramadan Cup final after Karantiil give walkover

Gaza Stars strolled into the 2024 Ramadan Cup football tournament final following a walkover victory after their opponents, Karantiil, failed to show up for the rematch of their semifinal clash on Sunday afternoon at the New Eastleigh Primary School.

The match between the two teams had been abandoned on Friday following a disagreement between two players from both teams and a tournament official.

The organisers scheduled the replay for Sunday but Karantiil forfeited the match after refusing to abide with conditions set by the organisers.

"Karantiil decided to forfeit the match due to the disqualification of one their players over indiscipline. They said they cannot honour the match without him and as such Gaza Stars qualify for the final with a walkover victory," tournament organiser Feisal Mohammed told The Eastleigh Voice.

Gaza Stars will now play against Corner Legends in the final on Tuesday at the New Eastleigh Primary School. The match will kick off at 5:30 pm.

With Karantiil failing to show up, Gaza Stars prepared for the final with a friendly match against Wajir AllStars. The match was played in two periods of 30 minutes.

Gaza Stars came from behind to win the match 2-1. The first half had ended 0-0 and Wajir AllStars took the lead six minutes after the restart.

Wajir AllStars looked to have sealed the win but the relentless Gaza Stars struck twice in injury time to snatch a victory that boosts their confidence ahead of Tuesday's final.

The scoreline flattered Wajir AllStars as Gaza Stars hit the post times and forced the Wajir AllStars into making some great saves.

Speaking after the match, Gaza Stars coach Mohammed Hiliwo expressed satisfaction with his team's performance in the tournament.

"I give thanks to Allah for the far we have reached and also, I salute my boys for their determination and hard work. They deserve to be in the final and we will give our best on Tuesday," Hiliwo said.

"Even though we are reaching this final for the first time as a team, we will count on the experience of some players in our team who have played in the Ramadan Cup final before with other teams," Hiliwo added.

While acknowledging Corner Legends as a formidable team, Hiliwo expects his team to carry the day on Tuesday.

"Corner Legends have been playing well but this is football and anything can happen. We will ready for them and we will be keen to take our chances," Hiliwo said.

After Tuesday's final, the tournament organisers, New Isli Management, are planning to have another tournament start on Wednesday.

"The tournament starting on Wednesday will feature eight teams which will be put into two groups of four teams," Feisal said.

"The top two teams will then proceed to semifinals with the winners of those clashes contesting the second Ramadan Cup final," Feisal added.

Feisal also said that the draw for the next tournament will take place on Monday.