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Maldives' storms into the semi final of SAFF championship
09 December 2005
Uploaded: 09.12.2005, 5:15 PM
Ali Umar (L) and Ashfaag celebrating Maldives first goal (AFP)
Karachi, PAKISTAN - Maldives storms into the semi final of ongoing SAFF championship after beating their biggest soccer rival by 2-0 in the second group stage match. Ali Ashfaag and Ali Umar scored the goals for Maldives to confirm the semi of this regional soccer event.
Maldives started the game with just one change from their squad that scored 9 goals against Afghanistan.
Maldives first goal came from ace striker Ashfaag in the 15th minute of the game when a free kick from Assad was headed to Ashfaag by Thoriq. Then, as usual, Sri Lanka started their physical game and as a result they lost one player for a red card and more were booked.
Ali Umar scored the second goal in the 82nd minute from the penalty Maldives were awarded when Sri Lankan keeper's fouled on Ahmed Thoriq after he beat the keeper.
After the match Maldives coach Stoikov showed disappointment of the performance he sees from Sri Lanka.
" If teams play like this (the physical game from Sri Lanka) it would be hard to improve this sport in the region" He said.
" The referee ignored nasty challenges, that's not good" Stoikov complained about the refereeing.
But the coach stated that he is satisfied with the result.
This is the fourth time Maldives reached the semi of this tournament, means they have reached the semi's of all the editions of this regional tournament.
This is the fourth win maldives gained against Sri Lanka in their 12 clashes. Sri Lanka won three times and 5 matches ended as a draw.
Maldives ready to protest
Maldives are getting ready to send their protest of Bangladesh referee Abdul Hannan's decision on todays game to SAFF and Asian Football Confederation (AFC), says assistant coach Ihsaan.
In an interview given to maldivesoccer.com, Ihsaan said the team will send the letter to SAFF and AFC soon after they reach the Mehru Hotel, the hotel where the participating teams are staying.
" Today we see a very low level refereeing, eventhough we win we are going to protest. We are a small nation and players like these are rare, we need to end this type of refereeing to protect the talents" disappointed Saanthi said.
" If the referee was fair enough, they (Sri Lanka) will miss two players before the half time" Saanthi added.
If a country wants to send their protest, they have to pay a sum of US$ 200.00, and the management is ready for that.
Saanthi stated that Fazeel(Oppo), Ashfaag and Thoriq has minor injuries.
" Inshah Allah nobody has a major injury but Oppo, Ashfaag and Thoriq carries some minor injuries" Saanthi said.
According Saanthi, Maldives are now focusing on their clash against Pakistan and eventhough they are in the semi Maldives will take every game seriously.
Saanthi highlighted the support of Maldivian citizens to the national team and appreciated that.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
GROUP A : Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
GROUP B : Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal
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