Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko leads “Kalba Leopards” to thrilling 8-5 victory in “Night of the Stars”

In a dazzling display of skill and sportsmanship, former Ukrainian international football star Andriy Shevchenko orchestrated a triumphant performance, leading his team, “Kalba Leopards,” to clinch the coveted “Night of the Stars” cup after a thrilling 8-5 victory over the “Mleiha Falcons” led by Italian football legend Francesco Totti.

The electrifying match unfolded at the Sharjah Sports Club Stadium on the third day of the “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars” held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.

The Sharjah’s Week of the Stars, organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, will conclude today (Saturday), featuring 200 players, including 23 renowned international football legends.

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, accompanied by Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, and Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Sports Club, graciously honoured the esteemed football legends whose exceptional contributions brought forth a captivating exhibition of skill and sportsmanship, delighting fans of the beautiful game.

HE Khalid Al Midfa, in a moment of distinction, presented the trophy to Ukrainian legend Shevchenko, the captain of the Kalba Leopards. This symbolic handover took place amid a gathering of football legends, whose collective prowess in the round with – a distinctive style of play – has left an indelible mark, contributing to an exciting chapter in the enduring legacy of the tournament.

The grandeur of the “Night of the Stars” unfolded at the Sharjah Sports Club Stadium, where the prestigious 6v6 football royalty playoff took centre stage in a captivating match that drew a sizable crowd of enthusiastic fans. The enthralling contest featured the participation of 23 football legends and stars, adorned with numerous world titles earned both in the realms of their club and national team endeavours, showcasing their enduring prowess on the green rectangle.

The initial half of the match unfolded in a balanced manner, culminating in a positive draw with both teams netting three goals each. However, the narrative took a decisive turn in the second half as the “Kalba Leopards” team asserted its dominance, securing five goals for its players compared to the two goals managed by the “Mleiha Falcons” team.

In a match characterized by strategic plays and skilful manoeuvres, Shevchenko and his teammates sealed the victory as the original time concluded, closing the exciting clash with a final score of 8-5.

The “Kalba Leopards” showcased an impressive array of goals, with captain Shevchenko leading the charge with three goals. Dutch football legend Clarence Seedorf added two more goals to the tally, while former Italian team defensive stalwart Christian Ferri, alongside compatriots Luca Antonini and Christian Panucci, each contributed with a goal.

The legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Dida played a crucial role, not only by securing his goal but also making pivotal saves against many dangerous shots from the opposing team. The collective effort of the team’s diverse talents played a pivotal role in their triumphant performance.

On the flip side, the Mleiha Falcons, under the leadership of the legendary star Francesco Totti, made their mark on the scoreboard. The team’s goals were credited to former Italian internationals Enrico Annoni and Diego Fuser, former France star Vincent Candela, and the dynamic midfielders Brazilian Aldair and Dutch Edgar Davids. Despite the outcome, the spirited contributions of these seasoned players added an extra layer of excitement to the match, showcasing the enduring skill and talent of football legends.

The “Sharjah’s Week of the Stars” commenced on Wednesday with the triumph of former Italian football stars Luigi Di Biagio and Christian Panucci at the “Legends Padel Tour.”

The excitement persisted with the captivating “Night of the Stars,” culminating today, Saturday, with the launch of the second edition of the “Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament,” boasting prizes totalling $30,000.