Maldives win on penalties

Male', MALDIVES - Maldives won the exhibition match played against Dhiraagu Dhivehi League foreign XI on penalties by 8-7 today. First half of the match ended with a 1-1 draw and neither of the team were able to score a goal in the second half.

Foreign XI took the lead on the 22nd minute, Abu headed freely Awilo’s cross from the right flank. Keeper was off position while Abu headed.

After 10 minutes, Fasir leveled the game for Maldives. He made no mistake to send the ball to the goal inside the penalty area through the defenders inside the box.

On the 39th minute, Umair’s powerful free kick targeted to top corner of the goal was punched over the bar by keeper Levent.

First half of the match ended with a 1-1 draw.

Four minutes after the kickoff of second half, Ashfaq took a powerful shot outside the box unluckily went out inches away from the post.

On the 55th minute, Maldives keeper made a good save. Borisov’s shot from the penalty area line well saved.

Six minutes later, Adhuham lost a great scoring chance. Ashfaq dropped a nice chip to Adhuham inside the box but he couldn’t control the ball and keeper caught the ball.

Two minutes later another fantastic save from keeper Imran, Ristics’s shot punched over the bar for a corner. Keeper was off position and he moved back and dived back to punch the ball.

Borisov wasted a good scoring chance on the 88th minute. He beat ahmed Abdulla inside the box but his second touch was too strong, Ifrah came up and save the ball before he shoot.

Official time of the match ended with a 1-1 draw. Result came.

Maldives Adhuham, Hussain Niyaz, Ahmed Niyaz, Ali Umar, Moosa Yamin, Imaaz, Ahmed Rasheed scored their penalties while Ahmed Abdhulla’s penalty was saved by keeper Labaan.

Foreign XI’s Borisov, Zhirkov, Victor, Kingsley, Naavee scored their penalties while Kalou’s penalty hits the crossbar and went out and Manzoor’s penalty saved by keeper Ifrah.