Sana'a - Saba:
The eighth annual Ramadan Martyr Abdulqader Hilal Football Championship commenced on Monday in the capital city of Sana'a.
The tournament, organized by Musaik Youth Council as part of the 18th Ramadan Football League program, was inaugurated by the heads of the Social Affairs and Services Committees in Sana'a.
The opening day saw al-Bon Agricultural Agency team secure a decisive 5-1 victory over the Al-Zajel Online team. The second match of the day resulted in a scoreless draw between al-Murabba al-Dawa team and al-Dhabibi Foundation team.
Sixteen teams are participating in the championship, with nine teams qualifying directly and seven advancing through preliminary rounds. The tournament is scheduled to run throughout Ramadan, culminating in the final days of the holy month.
The teams are divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The knockout rounds will proceed in a single-elimination format, starting with the quarter-finals and leading up to the final match.
The first round of competitions will continue tomorrow with matches between al-Mekhlafi Foundation and al-Ettifaq, followed by a game between al-Ward Marble and Siliven Academy.
On Wednesday, Zenim Stores will face the Falcon League and Masbok will play against al-Ameed. The first round will conclude on Thursday with matches between al-Amjad Restaurants and al-Sumoud, and al-Zubair against al-Rasheed Academy.
The tournament's opening ceremony was attended by Director of Media in Sana'a Abdullah al-Fayeq members of the late Abdulqader Hilal's family, and representatives from the participating sports teams.
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