Blues back to the top

Male’, MALDIVES – New Radiant Sports Club regained the top spot of Dhiraagu Dhivehi League today after beating Maziya by 1-0 in the first match of the second round.

Maziya started the match with five changes compared to the team that beat New Radiant in the last game of the first round. The match was played almost in an empty stadium when the best two teams of the league played each other this evening.

New Radiant created the first chance of the match when Umair made a good shot in the 9th minute.

Four minutes later, David made another good shot but it went wide.

In the 30th minute of the game, New Radiant broke the deadlock from the spot. Referee awarded a penalty to New Radiant when Faruhad brought down David inside the box.

Three minutes later, Shamveel made another good shot on target but keeper Imran saves the ball.

Twelve minutes after the break Abu made a good shot on the edge of the penalty area but went wide.

In the 63rd minute Imran was forced to save another good shot from Abu, who shot it inside the box.

In the 67th minute referee gave marching orders to Mohamed Rasheed for a foul on Nashid out of play and New Radiant played with 10 men in the remaining time.

In the 78th minute Imran made another wonderful save to stop the shot from Irufan.

In the extra time of the match substitute player Asadhulla hits the side netting.

Before the game ends, Bonda was red carded with his second booking. Yellow card came at a moment players from both sides clashed after Asadhullah brought down Umair inside New Radiant penalty area. Asadhullah survived with just a rellow.

Speaking at the post match press conference New Radiant’s coach Mika said that he was very happy with the win.

“I am happy with the win and yes still we need to improve many things. And yes we need to play attacking football.”

“I love the passion and it was a good match on the pitch as well as in the stand.”

On the other hand Maziya’s coach Ali Suzain congratulated New Radiant on the win and he accepted the defeat.

“It was a good match and I would like to congratulate New Radiant for the win and I was very happy with the performance of the players.”

“We created good chances and unfortunately we failed to convert those chances to score.”

Club Eagles will play against Victory tonight in the league at 2100 hours.