| Defending champion in trouble to defend the title
24 February 2006
Uploaded: 7:30 PM
New Radiant (blue) and Valencia players looking at Assad's goal
from the spot, one goal wasn't enough for them
Male',
MALDIVES - New Radiant's two goals in the first half was good enough for them to beat Valencia in ongoing cup winners cup as they stunned the defending champions by 2-1. Ace striker Ali Ashfaag scored against his former club in the 5 th minute of the game and Maldives ' player of the year, Ibrahim Fazeel, increased the lead in the extra period of first half.
Valencia , who lost their first match against Victory by 4-1, faced second period of the game with more determination and the result was they played a more organised game in this period.
It was the 58 th minute of the game that many expected to be the heartbreaking moment for Valencia as New Radiant was awarded with a penalty when Ashfaag was brought down by Ashraf Luthfee. Ali Umar's penalty was smartly handled by keeper Rameez and Ibrahim Fazeel took a shot from the rebounced ball, but went off target.
Valencia skipper Assad scored from the spot ten minute after New Radiant had an unfortunate experience from the spot. This time New Radiant's Sobah fouled on Habeeb.
Last fifteen minutes of the game both teams spent more time making substitutions rather than playing a beautiful game. Valencia brought Farhad, Sunain and Farhaan for Habeen, Oittey and Stanley respectively where as New Radiant substituted Ashfaag for Sameer and Abdullah Mohamed came in for injured Rishwan.
The day is again another disappointing day for the defending champions as they are now left with no points in two matches and rivals New Radiant and Victory are dominating the tournament.
The team is not functioning as I hope: Eric
Valencia coach insisted his team dominated the game after the two goals from New Radiant. But showed concern as the team is not functioning as he hopes.
‘The team is not functioning as I hope, that's the main problem of adjusting to my game plane'
‘We are on a planned program to win tournaments to confirm a seat in AFC Cup 2007'
‘I always tell players don't foul near the penalty areas where the opponents can get a chance to produce dangerous free kicks'
We are not serious, but we are confident: Shameem
New Radiant manager Ali Shameem said they are not very serious about the tournament but they have confidence in winning the games.
‘We are not serious, but we are confident that we can win. We are mainly focusing on AFC Cup'
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