Maziya levels with PDRM FA

Jan 25, 2015 - 09:09:56 |
Traore celebrating the goal against Maziya last night. (MS Photo: Ismail Affan)

Male’, MALDIVES – Maziya Sports and Recreation Club managed to get a point against Malaysia’s super league outfit, PDRM FA after a 2-2 draw in the People’s Cup.

Maziya started the game with high pace and in the third minute Asadhulla’s powerful shot went inches over the bar.

In the 29th minute, Pablo broke the deadlock for Maziya from a descent cross from Niyaz.

Five minutes later Ali Ashfaq penetrated the defense line of Maziya and shot it wide.

Three minutes before the break Draman Traore leveled the game from a superb header from a cross taken by Fadhil.

In the last minute of the first half Maziya missed a golden opportunity to take the lead for the second time, but Pablo’s spot kick went over the bar.

In the 52nd minute, Traore missed a golden opportunity to take the lead for PDRM but shot it wide inside the box.

Ashfaq in action against Maziya last night. (MS Photo: Ismail Affan)Ashfaq in action against Maziya last night. (MS Photo: Ismail Affan)

In the hour mark Pablo took the lead for Maziya for the second time from another good header inside the box. It was his third goal of the tournament.

Two minutes later Dramane Traore leveled the game for PDRM after a good solo effort inside the box.

In the post match press conference PDRM FA’s assistant coach said that they were not happy with the performance during the first half.

“We were not happy with the performance during the first half but in the second half we played well and I guess it was a deserved score for both teams.”

“Now we all want to see Ali Ashfaq to score a goal and I think we can see that. Maldives team know how he plays and they did a very good marking so he couldn’t score a goal.”

Maziya’s coach Ali Suzain said their main target was to get three points.

“Our main target is to win the game and to advance to final but unfortunately we couldn’t do that. PDRM played very well.”

“I would say we had some miscommunications for the two goals that we concede but I guess it will be ok when we play these kinds of games so often.”

Maziya will play against New Radiant on Monday at 1600 hours.

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boyko on Jan 25
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What a deflating experience! The whole nation was eagerly waiting to see the heriocs of their pin-up boy,ali ashfaq and his magic right in front of their eyes in the same stadium where he caught the imagination of the public. But all we saw was a player finding the burden of expactations too huge to live up to and not able to make an impact. He was a periphiral figure for much of the two matches played so far. The questions are: Was the system PDRM playing not the best system to get the best out of Ali? Or would he have played better as a supporting striker just behind the centre forward? Or did he lost form by overelobrating to make this tournament his own? Or was he too tightly marked as maldives clubs know his strengths and weakness? These are Questions PDRM will have to tackle at some stage to find the reason behind one of their main players was drawing a blank in front of the goal.
Hehe on Jan 25
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The main reasons why he is so poor in the last two matches are pdrm is not using their midfielders effectively. Too often a defender kick  ahead a long ball thinking Ashfaq or their no. 10 do the miraculous job of bringing it down under control and score goals. That brainless defender is not bothered to see how hard opposing defenders marking them. As for ashfaq he is strangely subdued, he is not running into pocket of space nor does he is making space for the others by running off the ball. His mind is caught in knots of indecision. Also, his midfilders are not making the  pass to him at the right time, many a time he is ignored for the important breakaway run towards goal. Most of all, they dont  make effective through-pass to him score  those vital goals he had scored for new radiant in 2013. Umair,in his pomp, as his partner was so devastatingly good at supplying those goal scoring opportunities. To sum it up, i would say PDRM midfield is rubbish. It is their main problem. The midfielders dont know how to liberate their strikers with overlaping wingers. PDRM system of 4, 4, 2 which is too old school and too rigid for flamboyent players like Danganday. He will flourish in flexible 4, 3, 3.
Imma on Jan 26
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I remember PDRM's manager last season, and current Malaysia Head Coach lamenting about PDRM's midfield. Ashfaq struggled to get in many matches and it was only due to his own individual brilliance that he managed to score so many goals. I also think he looks rather chunky at the moment. Obviously enjoyed the Malaysian food during the off season.

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