On the Labor Day public holiday of May 1st, international students of Xiamen University participated in the second edition of the Xiada Mini World Cup. The aim of the tournament was not only to give students an opportunity to showcase their football skills, but also to promote camaraderie amongst Xiamen University students. The 6-a-side football competition was held at Xiamen University's Shangxian sports field (厦门大学上弦场). The sports field, with its magnificent panorama and recently renovated football pitches made a perfect setting for the tournament.
The competition involved eight teams, each team comprised of students from a particular region; Angola, China, Indonesia, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Thailand and USA were all represented. The tournament commenced at 9 am and ended at 5 pm with the team’s first playing in group stages before the top two in each group advanced to the semi-finals.
After twenty-one fast and furious games of football, the two teams left standing to fight for the cup were Indonesia, who beat Thailand 2-0 in the first semi-final and Ghana, who beat Angola by the same score in the second semi-final. In a thrilling final Ghana came back from a one-goal deficit at half time to record a 2-1 victory and lift the trophy. Frank, from Angola, was recognized as the tournament's best player and top goal-scorer and Fathor Rosi, from Indonesia was recognized as the tournament's best goal keeper.
The tournament was hailed by all participants as a great success. The games were played in a competitive but friendly spirit. This was symbolized by the well-attended after-party sponsored by Mojito Restaurant Bar. Participants were also grateful to the other tournament sponsors and supporters, including Xiamen University, Pan-Africans Today, the guest referee, Dr. Brett Graham, director of the WISE-SOE International Graduate Programs and the organizers, including Victor Edem Sosoo from Ghana, Nna Ojijieme from Nigeria, who are both enrolled in the WISE-SOE International Graduate Programs, Quint Feldman from USA and Ehmet Ablet from China.
Namutebi Winnie Josephine
Student Assistant
WISE
