| New Radiant storms into the final
12 March 2006
Uploaded:7:25 PM
Let's Talk: Referee Ameez having a difficult moment with Hurriyya
player Atheef (20) while Mansoor (R) trying to calm down both
Male',
MALDIVES - New Radiant booked a place in the Cup winner's cup finals after winning today's encounter with Huriyya. Ill tempered match was won by new radiant by 2-0.
In the first half, none of the teams could open the scoring chart. New Radiant's plan did not work out in the first half. Ashfaaq and Ali Umar was the main target of their plan while Oppo and Nita were trying to push more pressure. But it failed and hence, Thoriq was substituted for Nita.
But they got a couple of good chances. Ali Umar, Ashfaaq and Thoriq could not change the scoring chart. Ashfaaq's header almost went inside the goal but for Huriyya's benefit, which was then saved by Mansoor.
Huriyya's Atheef shot a long range shot near the edge of the penalty area. But for new Radiant's luck, the cross bar came into the rescue.
But in the second half, the whole event changed. New Radiant opened their scoring chart from a shot by Oppo. Thoriq all alone managed to dribble past two defenders and the low cross was netted for an open goal. Minutes later, Nita headed to the goal increasing New Radiant's lead to 2 nil. He was left all alone inside the six yard box. Huriyya's players were left shocked to take the ball from their own net.
After the second goal, Hurriyya players started to improve their game play and started to pressurize the defence line of New Radiant. Huriyya managed to grab a late goal from a penalty.
The match changed in to a rather physical battle from the time Thoriq fouled on Nadheem. The referee then talked with the linesman and showed play on. Since the foul was a fatal one, it was lucky that Thoriq escaped without a booking or even a red. Huriyya players tried their best to convince the referee Ameez, but he did not listen at all and cards started to fly from his pocket and were busy warning the players in several occasions.
The win took New Radiant into the final of the tournament where they will be likely to face Victory.
Surprised of the late performance: Goffa
In the news conference, Huriyya coach Goffa said that he is very surprised that his players showed an outstanding performance in the last 30 minutes of the game.
“I am very surprised! The concentration improved a lot after that period. I felt that he had more power than them. It was difficult for the opponents to control the game”
He also noted that he was very happy because of the performance of Mansoor, his oldest player.
“Mansoor showed a splendid performance. His concentration was so good during the match.”
New Radiant still not fit: Niyaz
New Radiant's assistant coach, Niyaz was also very happy with the performance showed by his players.
“We started the game very slowly. But later we improved and after the two goals we again relaxed. As a result Hurriyya took control of the game. But over all I am very happy with the result”
Niyaz also mentioned that his players are still not fit and they are not able to show 100%
“Ashfaaq and Ali Umar is still in Injury. They are in the starting line up to boost their confidence level. We hope they would be playing very well after the match”
Regarding their foreign players, he is very happy with the performance of Valentine, but not fully happy with the performance of Nita.
“He (Nita) is a very good player. But I guess he is not familiar with the climate of Maldives ”
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