DUSHANBE, July 6, 2011, Asia-Plus — A football match in a friendly “5 on 5” arrangement between the staff of U.S. Embassy and of the UK Embassy in Dushanbe was held on 1 July, at 6:00 -7:00p.m.
US Ambassador to Tajikistan Ken Gross and the UK Ambassador to Tajikistan Trevor Moore cut a ribbon to open a new football field at 6:00 p.m., which was the occasion for this football match. Then the first whistle to start the game was blown.
“I hope that this game can become an annual part of the friendly and competitive traditions which link our two countries,” Ken Gross said.
The game consisted of two 30-minute periods, separated by a 10-minute rest period. There were referees from the two embassies. The teams consisted of a mix of foreign and Tajik players. Both sides also had good teams of supporters cheering them on.
A trophy, “The Gross Cup” was created for the winning team, but because the friendly football match ended in a draw (3:3), this prize wasn’t awarded to either team. It will remain at the US Embassy for the next year.
“This was a great match with honor satisfied on both sides by this exciting draw,” Trevor Moore noted.
