Ashfag doubtful for Yangon United match

Apr 08, 2013 - 01:54:36 | Ameen Faisal
Ashfaq is doubtful for the AFC Cup game against Yangon United.

Male’, MALDIVES – Ali Ashfaq is a doubt for New Radiant Sports Clubs AFC Cup second leg clash with Myanmar’s Yangon United which takes place tomorrow afternoon. Ashfaq was substituted just 20 minutes after the kick-off last week where Blues lost the game by 2-0.

Along with striker Ashfaq, his team-mate Ali Umar who was injured two weeks back is also doubtful for the home game against Yangon United.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, New Radian coach Velizar Popov said that injuries of Ashfaq and Ali Umar have destroyed the performance of his team.

“I don’t know if Ashfaq and Ali Umar can play tomorrow”.

“These injuries destroyed our performance”.

According to National Team Physician Ahmed Shakeeb (Doc) Ashfaq has been suffering soft tissue injury (minor) left hamstring muscle. According to Doc, he is a lot better now and he can hopefully be fit enough to play tomorrow. According to Doc, the normal recovery time for such injuries is 1-2 weeks.

Last week’s loss against Yangon was the first defeat of New Radiant in the ongoing football season. And it was the first game where more than a goal was conceded since the beginning of last season.

Popov said that he only needs players who are fully fit against Yangon United. He also noted that he has to change the style of play when Ashfaq and Ali Umar are absent.

“Tomorrow we need players who are 100% fit only. Not players fit 70% or 50%”.

“Everything is possible, but without Ashfaq and Ali Umar we have to change our style of play”.

“They are the most creative players in our team”.

“It is impossible for a replacement for Ashfaq”.

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bloooos on Apr 08
Like 17
Dislike 1
with or without him we maldivians have to win tomorow. hope we'll see the maldivian king even tomorow ! gooodluck :)
New go go on Apr 08
Like 11
Dislike 2
Go blues go
munthey on Apr 08
Like 16
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“It is impossible for a replacement for Ashfaq”. Indeed!!!
inbira on Apr 08
Like 9
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We hope coach will not risk the injured players like in the away leg against Yangon United when the injury-ravaged, unfit Ashfaq was placed in harm’s way only to replace him 20 minutes into the match. What is important to remember is this match is not the only match for New Radiant. A huge part of the season is ahead. And if the poor lad is to aggravate the same injury for the third time in three weeks, who knows how long he will be side-lined? That is like a huge investment going down the drain for reckless management. It is unto coach to make the decision wisely. Let him have full recovery of his hamstring injury, make sure it’s not a tear. I’m sure Dr.Shakeeb is highly qualified man to deal with injuries of this sort, so let the mantra be to protect the player for future games. Don’t fall into the trap of here and new temptation. New Radiant have other players who are equally good though not in the calibre of Ashfaq. If the playing-11 give their 100% and try to utilize the opportunity that come their way they can beat this Myanmar team.
Peter Parker on Apr 09
Like 4
Dislike 1
coach did not risk Ashfaq in Myanmar. He followed the insructions of Dr. Shakeeb as he advised to start the game with dhagey rather than use him as a sub. He advised to replace him if he starts to feel the pain.. that's what the team did...
koyya on Apr 08
Like 10
Dislike 0
coach popav shud have subtituted ashfaq before the kick off of the second half against valencia...knowing valencia was playing rather rugby, popav shud subtitute ashfaq as newradiant was 2-0 up and valencia was not creating any goal scoring opportunities. that is how big names in eurpe does...if there is an important champions league clash, they will rest most imporatant players...hope coach wud give some breather to ashfaq. and please dont start him tomorrow...bring him to pitch if and only if there is no otherway. that is also in last 30 mins of the match.
popeye on Apr 09
Like 0
Dislike 2
It is difficult to replace Ashfaq but remember this is a team game and it has to depend on the team. These matches will test you as a coach too. Since Ashfag can single handedly win any game on a given day and he is that quality of a player.
Korey on Apr 09
Like 1
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Without ashfaq not able to play new radiant.
Ali on Apr 09
Like 5
Dislike 1
Popov is the best coach ever !!!!!
ramp on Apr 09
Like 0
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ashfaq is our key player but without ashfaq also we have showed that new can win. but some how the field was missing ashfaq with is steelic styles :)

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