First win for Maldives

Incheon, SOUTH KOREA – Maldives won their first soccer game in the ongoing Incheon Asian Games today after beating East Timor by 3-2 at the Ansan Wa Stadium. Ali Amdhan, Moosa Yamin and Mohamed Irufan scored the goal for the Maldives.

East Timor scored the opening goal of the match in the 18th minute from a penalty when referee awarded a penalty to them for a foul committed by Samdhooh Ali.

Eight minutes later, Ali Amdhan leveled the game from a rebounded ball when keeper blocked his header inside the box from a corner kick from Samdhooh.

Maldives coach Drago Mamic introduced Hamzath when they started the second half and after the introduction of the young star the attack of the team was improved.

East Timor took the lead for the second time in the 58th minute from a rebounded ball inside the box.

Amdhaan celebrating the goal against East TImor. (Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Maldives leveled the game in the in the 62nd minute from an indirect free kick inside the box. Arif pass the ball to Yamin while East Timor players were waiting near the ball.

Maldives took the lead for the first time in the 73rd minute from a wonderful shot from Mohamed Irufan inside the box.

Maldives coach Drago Mamic said after the match that he is very happy with the result and the performance against East Timor.

“I am very happy with this result and the performance. As far as I know it was the first ever win in the Asian Games and I am happy with this.”

“Our second goal was a very important goal and all the credits goes to Arif. He took advantage of the experience he has and he pass the ball to Yamin and he scored.”

Maldives starting line up against East Timor. (Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Maldives U23 team lost their first two games against Thailand and Indonesia.