Maldives thrashes Bangladesh

Dec 26, 2015 - 02:32:01 |
ALi Ashfaq scored the opening goal against Bangladesh (Photo: Ibrahim Faid)

Trivandrum, INDIA – Maldives confirmed a place in the semi final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup after a comfortable 3-1 win against Bangladesh today here in the Trivandrum International Stadium. Captain Ali Ashfaq, Hassan Naiz and Ahmed Nashid scored goals for the Maldives

With this win Maldives moved to the top of the group table with six points from two games while Bangladesh lies on the bottom of the table without any points. They lost their opening game to Afghanistan by 4-0. Maldives won their first game against Bhutan by 3-1.

Asadhulla Abdulla missed a good chance to open the scoring after beating two defenders and made a powerless shot inside the box which keeper saved.

Five minutes before the half hour mark Zahid Hossain hits the wood works but luckily Shafiu Ahmed cleared the ball from the danger zone.

Three minutes later Shakawath Rony missed another good chance to score. Keeper Imran cleared the ball inside the box before he made a shot from that.

In the 40th minute referee awarded a penalty to Maldives when Bangladesh player hands the ball inside the box.

Ali Ashfaq broke the deadlock from the spot kick to take the lead for the Maldives.

Ahmed Nashid was introduced to the game in the 58th minute for Mohamed Hamza.

In the 65th minute Bangladesh keeper was forced to make another good save to stop the free kick Ali Fasir just out side the box and Imaz made another attempt but keeper saves it.

Ahmed Nashid created another good chance in the 77th minute after beating a placer and made a good shot from the right flank but keeper saves it.

In the 83rd minute Ricki Herbert introduced Ismail Easa to the game when Ahmed Imaz got injured.

In 87th minute Substitute player Sohel Rana levels the game for the Bangladesh from a good shot inside the box.

Two minutes later Maldives substitute, Hassan Naiz took the lead for the Maldives from a stunning shot inside the box and it was his first touch in his debut match of SAFF Suzuki Cup.

Ahmed Nashid confirmed all three points to Maldives in the extra time of the game from a wonderful shot inside the box.

Maldives will play their final group stage match against Afghanistan on Monday at 1800 hours.

Name

Comment

Send Now
Comments
Smithy007 on Dec 26
Like 4
Dislike 1
Maldives 'thrashes' Bangladesh doesn't justify the score. A thrashing is 4-0 or 5-1. We played terribly in the first half and got away with it. Second half was much better, but we should play better if we are to win this tournament. Well done team Maldives.
mubiy on Dec 26
Like 5
Dislike 0
congrats 2008 champions
vaii on Dec 26
Like 5
Dislike 0
excellent defensive play by the center backs...and a true star has really born in by Naiz not because he scored the goal but the move he made for that cross says it all well done lad
Eleven on Dec 26
Like 4
Dislike 2
Maldives is always Semi final material at SAFF Championships. Praise the Maldivian national team for winning. But imagine what if Bangladesh took their chances, if so it vud have been humiliating for Maldives. Maldives were lucky and if luck runs out at the crucial moment's then who knows what will happen. Tougher n stronger opponents lie ahead in the name of Afghanistan and India and they will not hesitate to convert their chances unlike Bangladesh and will play without giving the opponent presents. Lets see how lucky Maldives are against the stronger Nations and If Maldives wins SAFF then only Maldives will be recognised as a true football power of the region.
Imma on Dec 26
Like 1
Dislike 1
The title of this post is very misleading, as it sounds as though we put about 7 goals past Bangladesh in a very easy game. In truth, we made it very hard for ourselves for large parts of the match. The midfield and front three looked very lethargic and showed poor decision making at times. It took our substitutes Nashid, Easa and Naiz to change the game. Nashid caused plenty of problems with his pace and took his goal very well, while Easa played some absolutely wonderful balls just before the last two goals. It was also lovely to see Naiz score with his first touch. But, we need to be a lot better that what we saw today for the majority of the match if we are to stand any chance against Afghanistan and possibly India in the next round.
Ahmed on Dec 27
Like 0
Dislike 0
It would have been better if dhagey plays In centre like in Bhutan game . In pdrm also sometime they use him in centre n much of him seen that way

Headlines