Sana'a: The Ministry of Youth and Sports team clinched third place in the second Martyr President Saleh Al-Samad Football Tournament by defeating the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Investment team with a narrow 1-0 victory at Al-Dharrafi Stadium.
According to Yemen News Agency, the match witnessed a strong offensive start from the Ministry of Youth players, who pressed hard on the Economy Ministry's defense. Khaled Al-Batoul's early attempt was easily handled by the Economy Ministry's goalkeeper, Talal Al-Habishi. Meanwhile, Hussein Shua'i from the Economy Ministry responded with a shot that brushed the side netting.
The Ministry of Youth maintained relentless pressure, with Ali Khalil making an attempt that posed little threat and a promising run by Waleed Al-Radhi, which was thwarted by Al-Habishi. The first half's most significant moment came when Abdul Wahab Saddam's pass almost resulted in a goal for Al-Iqtisad, but Al-Kahali's crucial save denied them.
As the second half unfolded, both teams continued to miss scoring opportunities, despite Al-Shabab's dominance in midfield, led by Abdo Al-Idrisi. The breakthrough came when Al-Iqtisad's Ali Khalil set up Jalal Al-Qatta, who scored the decisive goal past Talal Al-Habishi.
Despite several attempts by Al-Iqtisad to equalize, they failed to score, and the match concluded with Al-Shabab's 1-0 victory. The Ministry of Youth and Sports team was awarded the third-place trophy, while the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Investment team received the Fair Play Award.
The awards were presented by Sam Al-Bashiri, Acting Minister of Economy, Industry, and Investment; Ali Hadban, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth for the Sports Sector; Ahmed Al-Mutawakkil, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for Financial and Administrative Affairs; and Jamil Al-Du'ais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Financial and Administrative Affairs, acknowledging the commendable performance of the teams.
The match officiation was managed by Mohammed Al-Harazi as the center referee, with Awad Al-Tairi and Hisham Al-Ghayl as linesmen, and Nasser Haidar as the fourth official.