Sana'a: The ninth edition of the Yemeni Telecommunications Companies' Seven-a-Side Football Championship commenced at the Recreational Club Stadium in Sana'a. Organized by the Companies Sports Federation under the supervision of Yemen Telecommunications, the tournament sees participation from 22 teams representing various companies, institutions, authorities, and ministries.
According to Yemen News Agency, the opening ceremony was graced by officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, sports federations, Yemen Telecommunications, and the Companies Sports Federation. Federation Secretary-General Anwar Al-Haimi highlighted that the tournament coincides with the celebrations of the Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. He urged participants to commemorate the occasion by embodying the Prophet's values and morals, expressing optimism that this edition would be distinguished by fair competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.
Yemen Telecommunications Marketing Director Nabil Al-Serri emphasized that sponsoring the championship reflects a commitment to strengthening teamwork, productivity, brotherhood, and partnerships across Yemen's sectors.
The ceremony featured the participating teams entering the field and an exhibition match with veteran football stars. In Group A's opening matches, Yemen Telecommunications triumphed over Future University with a 5-1 win, thanks to goals from Mahdi Mubarak, Waleed Aqlan, and Hisham Aqlan. Future University's sole goal was scored by Ali Thamer. Additionally, Yemenia Airlines secured a 5-0 victory against the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, with Abdulmajid Jahlan, Mahmoud Mahyoub, and Mohammed Obeid contributing to the scoreline.
The victories awarded Yemen Telecommunications and Yemenia Airlines three points each, while Future University and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights remained without points.
Scheduled matches for Sunday include Group A's Yemen International Bank against the Military Cardiac Center. In Group B, CAC Bank will face the Palestinian Community, while Facilities Security will meet the Ministry of Electricity and Water. Group C will see Yemen Mobile against the Passport Authority.
The first round will conclude on Monday with four matches. In Group C, Flousak Wallet will compete against the Ministry of Finance, followed by three Group D matches: Yemen Kuwait Bank versus Sana'a Water, the Zakat Authority against TeleYemen, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports against the Standards and Metrology Authority.