AFC Cup 2016: New Radiant 2-2 Balestier Khalsa

Feb 23, 2016 - 06:11:32 |
New Radiant's Segun in action against Balestier FC. The match ended with a 2-2 draw. (Photo: Haveeru Daily)

Male’, MALDIVES – New Radiant Sports Club started their AFC Cup 2016 with a 2-2 draw against Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa FC. Rilwan Waheed scored the equalizing goal in the dying minutes to level the game.

New Radiant coach Stoykov Ivanov introduced a very new team including the two players who came from Foakaidhoo FC.

Lamman missed a golden opportunity in the 25th minute to break the deadlock. Niyaz gave a descent ball to Lammam when he was unmarked inside the box but his shot went over the bar.

Six minutes later Balestier goalkeeper was forced to stop another descent shot from Hamza.

Balestier’s Fazlee broke the deadlock in the 36th minute from a descent header inside the box.

Just five minutes after the break Izzath Abdul Baaree leveled the game for the Blues from a wonderful header inside the box.

In the 61st minute Hamza missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. He penetrated the defense line and shot it but keeper blocked it for a corner kick.

In the 69th minute Mohamed Fadhil took the lead for Balestier for the second time from a descent shot inside the box.

Substitute player Rilwan Waheed leveled the game for the Blues and changed the score to 2-2 in the last minute.

New Radiant will play against Kaya FC, Philippines on 8th March in their second match of the tournament in Manila.

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Boyko on Feb 23
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Draw is a fair result given this is the first match of the new season. What had happened to Rilwan Waheed? When he came on as a substitute he seemed so angry and on a revenge, rampaging into the unprovoked challenges as if he had to settle a score. But his final contributing was a much needed lifeline for the future games, though somewhat fortuitously. By the way it was kind of disturbing to see first aid person lifting their injured captain by his knee which he had hurt.
footballmad on Feb 24
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Agreed, hopefully we'll the real Rilwan more in the next game with his superb attacking moves and passes.
Player on Feb 23
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Whose plan was it to keep a dozen kids of 5 to 6 years in new radiant jersey in the stand where their supporters sit, just behind the goal? Don’t they understand a wayward shot or a fast moving ball at them could endanger their lives with no adult bystander around?
Anil on Feb 23
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Good game. NRSC played well. Expected more from Hampu.
footballmad on Feb 24
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New radiant's two central defenders, Niyaz, Hampu, and as a whole team did very well. I think NRSC were a bit unlucky and we have to give credit to their goal keeper too. Niyaz was probably amongst the oldest but showed great leadership and stamina and he moved as fast as a youth player but had the perspectives of a veteran, what a great footballer he is! One thing though the right defender(s) need to track back quicker even if involved in attacking moves. Look for a win in the next game.
Imma on Feb 25
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I think aside from the Hong Kong club, the other 3 teams are at an equal level. It's important for New Radiant to not lose against Kaya and Balestier Khalsa, while a win at home against Kitchee would be a huge bonus. Overall, the manner of they achieved this result would give the young players some much needed confidence ahead of the next few matches.

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