Ashfaq will face Afghanistan – Urbanyi

Sep 05, 2013 - 09:29:13 | Shimaz Ali and Mohamed Firash
Ace striker Ashfaq celebrating a goal against Bhutan. (MS photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Kathmandu, NEPAL – Maldives coach Istvan Urbanyi assured star striker and captain Ashfaq will play against Afghanistan despite the player is on a yellow card and the team need just a draw to finish at the top.

“Definitely I will use him against Afghanistan. Because these are just side effects. So I just told that the target didn’t change and we want to finished the group as the leaders.”

“Dhagey is the leader and he is the captain of the team. He can control himself but we cannot control some other things. But we don’t want to show any weakness. We will try to be in the final and we want to be as a strong team.”

Maldives coach Istvan Urbanyi has said that yellow card shown to Ali Ashfaq against Bhutan was a ridiculous card.

Speaking to the media at the Everest Hotel this evening Urbanyi said that a player who has scored 10 goals in two games would not act just out side the box.

“The yellow card shown to Ashfaq was ridiculous to be honest. A player who has scored 10 goals in 2 games, a player who is willing to score in every single second, and his life is scoring and beating defenders why he would act outside of the penalty box.”

“So I was very much frustrated about it and I have my worry about it. Because if it happened for some reason, its not fair. So I ask everybody to control of that. Because, not only Maldivian fans want Ashfaq to be in the semi final. I think the competition, the South Asian Football Federation and generally football need Dhagey in the semi final.

“And he will not do anything to get second yellow card. So I hope there won’t be any other factor in this ”


Maldives will play against Afghanistan tomorrow at 1445 Maldives time.

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Baalhio on Sep 05
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It's a pity that coach don't understand that it won't be him not controlling himself to get a yellow, but a similar incorrect decision by the referee. He is very much likely to be brought down inside the area, and we know how jealous at him are the referees in this region.
al on Sep 05
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I'am now certain he will be shown another card on friday. south Asian mentality is "win, in any way possible". now maldives is the biggest threat with Ashfaq.
Ahmed on Sep 05
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The coach made a huge mistake in making this statement. Now the whole world knows that Ashfaq is just one yellow card away from suspension and missing the semis. I fear India will try to utilize this and influence the referee, as they know Maldives is the most likely team to keep them away from the title. I know India isn't playing to their full potential this time, but they always manage find a solution on or off the pitch.
Shafeeu on Sep 05
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This is very unwise decision... Because, even though Ashfaq can control himself... A mistake by refree could result in a yellow card... And, according to coach Urbany, the previous yellow card was also ridiculous... Means, it was a wrong decision by the refree.. So, Dear, Urbany, how can you be so sure that a similar mistake by the refree would not result in a yellow card to Ashfaq in the next match... If that happens, our motivation, our hope to win the Semi's would be crashed into pieces... Even our Players would be demotivated and it would be a huge psychological loss to the whole team.. Thats one concern... and another concern is, do you have any gaurantee that Ashfaq would not pick any injuries... Anything is possible... Now Afghan is in semis, and Maldives is in semis... So, Afghan defenders might intentionally try to injury Ashfaq... Because, who knows we might end up to play final with Afghan... Even, if they might not try to injure him intentionally, then there is possibility to get injured by a 50/50 football... If with any reason, whether it is because of 2 yellow cards or due to an injury picked up by Ashfaq, then coach is there to be blamed... Because, we are already in to the semis, and why to risk our key player...??? In deed, this is not time to worry about becoming the group leaders... This is time to worry about the semi final.. To make sure our key players especially Ashfaq could play in the semi... Try to prioritize the importance issues first...
murey on Sep 06
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you have very aptly said it. hope coach will read fans' comments and rethink of his decision.
bobo on Sep 06
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I think Ashfag would most probably be substituted by second half. And if he's booked, Maldives is not a one man team. The majority of the starting XI is of New Radiant. They have played matches without Ashfag and has produced results. I have my best hope for them. I know that they will win the Semi even, just to prove that they can do it without Ashfag. But again, Maldives is Maldives with Ashfag. Hope he doesn't get booked today.
jj on Sep 06
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Coach can say Ashfaq can control himself. But is that how a referee thinks when he makes a decision? They sometimes deem a foul by a defender as genuine attempt and book the striker involved in the challenge thinking that he took a dive just like Ashfaq’s ‘supposed’ foul. You as a coach rightly said Ashfaq’s booking in Butan match was ridiculous, so that is how they work. It depends on their mood. There is a fine line between a referee seeing a foul where none exist and deem a genuine attempt as a foul. They are instances where they will book you for accidentally falling on somebody. If you ask them for clarification for couple of questionable decisions they will book you saying you are arguing with their decision. So it is big risk to take, a risk coach may have to regret for the rest of his life.
!!! on Sep 06
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It's Ashfaq birthday and he want to play... Urbany scared because if not put him to play Ashfaq will be angry.... But the coach must show him who is the boss in this team, the semifinal are more important that birthday party with 2 or 3 more goals....
udhuheymufeed on Sep 06
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I believe the yellow card was deserved, as you said coach some one of his capacity does not need this play acting. But I support him playing in Afghan Match once we get the lead I believe coach will take him off. It will be good if we face India in semifinals. Championship win will be sweeter after defeating India. As for a final against Nepal would be hardest in front of their supporters. I wouldn't complain if we lose in finals to Nepal, Home advantage is a HUGE factor.
DORJI on Sep 06
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The yello card shown to ashfaq against bhutan was very much fair decision and why you(maldives fans) fear of taking india in semi.

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