Blues to semi final

Kulhudhuffushi, MALDIVES – New Radiant’s forward Alamu Bukola Olalekan scored the first hat trick of the tournament to win the match against Mahibadhoo by 4-2 in the ongoing Presidents Cup. New Radiant booked a place in the semi final of this tournament after this comfortable win against Mahibadhoo.

Two key players of Mahibadhoo Ahmed Nuhaadh and Ismail Nazeer didn’t play in this match as their grand father passed away this morning in Saudi Arabia.

New Radiant started the game very well and created some good chances and the first one came from Ali Fasir, his shot inside the box was blocked by the defenders of Mahibadhoo.

Three minutes later Mahibadhoo’s Anderson missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock from a diving header inside the box which went inchs away from the post.

New Radiant’s Alamu broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when he got the ball from a one on one situation with Mahibadhoo keeper Ifham and nets it into an empty net.

Ten minutes later Da Silva leveled the game for Mahibadhoo from a close range shot.

In the 41st minute substitute player, Ahmed Suhail took the lead for the champions.

Mahibadhoo’s Naushaad levels the game for Mahibadhoo from a wonderful volley inside the box in the 53rd minute.

New Radiant took the lead for the third time in the 69th minute from Alamu. Mahibadhoo defenders cleared the shot from Alamu but the assistant referee confirmed that it has crossed the line.

In the last minute of the normal time Alamu scored his third goal and the first hatrick of this tournament from a wonderful shot.

BG and TC will play the final game of this group for a spot in the semi final.