Maldives into the semi

Guwahati, INDIA – Maldives advanced to the semifinal of SAFF Games as the winners of group even though they lost today’s match against host, India by 3-2.

India lost their first game to Sri Lanka by 1-0 and Maldives won their first game against Sri Lanka by 3-1. Maldives will play against runners up of group B.

Ricki Herbert started the game with three changes compared to their win against Sri Lanka. Muruthala, Jazlan and Saaif were the three players who started today’s game.

Indian striker Udhandha broke the deadlock in the 4th minute for the hosts after a poor defending from Saaif.

Six minutes later Muruthala leveled the game from a stunning shot inside the box, which goes straight to the roof of the net. Hamza headed the corner kick from Nashid to Muruthalaa.

India changed the score to 2-1 in the 12th minute. Keeper Jazlan didn’t do much to stop the header from Pritham inside the box.

In the 34th minute Ansar’s shot inside the box went wide. Naiz gave the ball after a good solo effort from Hamza, who beat three defenders before supplying it to Naiz.

In the 42nd minute Maldives changed the score to 2-2 after an own goal from Pritham. Pritham tried to clear the cross from Nashid however it went into the net.

In the 59th minute Udhantha scored his second of the day from a superb volley inside the box.