Nehru Cup 2012: Maldives 1 - 3 Cameroon: Maldives out of Nehru Cup

Aug 29, 2012 - 08:30:59 | Mohamed Sajid
Maldives players celebrating the equalizer against Cameroon

Male', MALDIVES – Maldives has been knocked out from the 15th edition of the Nehru Cup, after tasting a 3 - 1 defeat against the giant Cameroon. Playing 4 games in 7 days Maldives team looked tired against Cameroon and it made things worse as they were down to 10 men in the 2nd minute of the second half.

Maldives turned up with a young team for the tournament and displayed overall good performance handing a 2 -1 win over Nepal and beating Syria in same score line while lost to host India by 3 – 0.

Maldives Coach Istavan Urbanyi was off the bench to serve his one match suspension and Mohamed Nasir (Naabe) was in the helm in the vital game.

In the 11th minute of the game Cameroon took the lead from a perfect volley by Kingue Mpondo who was left unmarked inside the penalty area.

With a perfect move by defender Akram, Maldives leveled the game in the 26th minute of the game. From middle of the park Akram pass the ball to Ismail Easa and matched back with the ball inside the penalty area and tapped the ball in to the top net of the goal giving no chance to goalkeeper.

A minute before the equalizer Ashfaq penetrated the defense line of Cameroon and entered in to penalty area but his touch to beat the goalkeeper was not enough to reach it back.

Kingue Mpondo regains the lead for Cameroon in the 40th minute with his second of the day. With full of power Kingue Mpondo well headed the corner kick in to the back of the net.

First of the game ended in a 2 -1 advantage to Cameroon.

Ashad Ali was sent off in the 47th minute as he argued with the Referee when Referee awarded a controversial penalty kick for Cameroon. Ebanga Bertin scored from the spot to make it 3 – 1.

After three minutes of added time score remained 3 -1 in favor of Cameroon and it made way for India and Cameroon to meet in the final of the tournament.

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thofi ahmed on Aug 29
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I still laugh at the fact that they called that a tournament. Why not Invite India over for a tournament and do their accommodation stuff at an island and have them transferred for practices, matches and other stuff to Male' by an engine-less dhoni and call it 'traditional'? The way things have turned out, I'd love to see that. Heres what we won't do, though. We won't arrange their matches in a way that they have 48 hours of rest in between. We won't make the referees make most their rulings against them, and most importantly, we won't organize the worst tournament our region has seen. Nehru Cup was a failure, why? It was a drama played out for India to win, with referees and very powerful people behind the plans.
K.P Baiypen on Aug 29
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Does referee think football is no contact sport? There was a mild tug on the shirt of Cameroon player; it is no that he is tackled down to the ground or pulled off the position. Even Cameroon players thought it was foul by one of their own and they were retreating to their own half when this referee pointed to penalty spot. Though Aday’s indiscretion is senseless and over the top our players’ expression of anger is justified, this referee knew what he was doing. There was this narrow possibly Maldives could draw this match and throw India into the dangerous position where they could go out of the tournament embarrassingly, in their own country, in their own stadium, in front of their own people, from the tournament they organized. So referee had made sure India would not have sleepless nights.
still on Aug 29
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This tournament is staged only two reasons. One is to showcase to the world the growing prowess of India’s might as football superpower in the region and two to glorify the image of Sunil Chatri as India’s golden boy. But what infers from this tournament is India’s inability to organize a good football tournament, the casual approach to pitch condition despite huge water-logging. Worst of all, the arrangement of tournament fixtures in a manner that favours India so that they get two days rest whereas hapless Maldives to play every alternate day. It is a pity Azim overlooked this important aspect when he accepted the invitation to take part in the tournament.
Bale Gurung from Four seasons Resort KH. on Aug 29
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I love the Maldivens game the way how they play.They are perfect from every angel. I see their game like Manchester United.
habeeb on Aug 29
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Guys, you must understand thatvNehru cup football is an invitation tournament.Unlike international or continental tournament it is almost impossible to prepare a relaxed fixture. the host association hascto consider thecavailability ofvthe participating nationsThe match fixture was drawc with with crystal clear transperency. The match officials are fifa recognized qualified and well experienced. Its really sad to see disatisfaction over the way tournament is conducted. To be frank it was a golden opportunity for countries like India and Maldives to have match practises rather than winning the title. I being a Ali Ashfaq fan really wished for a final match between India and Maldives.
cameroon hero on Aug 29
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sore loser!!!!! u still think u desrved anything more from this game after the way ur team played.we should have scored atleast 5 more.
thofi ahmed on Aug 29
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Forgot to add one more thing to my previous comment. My views Istvan Urbanyi have changed, after this tournament. The guy is very capable, and I really think that the whole 'time for younger players to shine' idea might work well. Thank you, sir. We wish you better luck in future tournaments. We're with you all the way. "To infinity, and beyond!"
shareef garey on Aug 30
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maldives national foot ball team caoch pls resign and better go home ...you dont have a potential to be a coach also no diccipline you are worse than player's so pls do it otherwise we have to kick you out think for this
footballmad on Aug 30
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Suspension against the Maldives coach; clear off-side goals against the maldives; suspicious penalty kicks against maldives; 4 matches in 7 days; the evidence is clear - there is no fair play in India. If we want to play against a country that thrives on corruption, we need to play the matches at neutral venues. Anyway, we need to concentrate on playing against bigger names such as Syria and Cameroon and not get bodgged down with India. generally speaking, Nehru cup's been a good thing for South Asian teams considering the opportunities to play against bigger nations but India's got to learn that winning fairly is a much rewarding experience than winning with dirty tricks.
Imma on Aug 30
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@K.P Baiypen: I think we can all take comfort in the fact that even if India wins both matches against Cameroon, it will not affect their FIFA ranking points one bit since FIFA decided it is only a Cameroon B team. Anyway, the level of organization of the whole tournament was like watching a train crash in slow motion; despite it being a horrific sight, one could not help but look on, mostly by a morbid fascination of witnessing how things could go so horribly wrong. AIFF thought they could tempt Costa Rica, Nigeria and Kenya to their shores but were instead left to fend with Maldives, Nepal and Syria. The whole tournament was planned out so that India could "win" another "trophy" in front of their fans, who, not surprisingly, didn't bother to turn up in numbers to watch their football team. An overwhelming number of the ones who did still think Baichung Bhutia plays for them. Also, the pitch at the Nehru Stadium looks set to be transformed into a rice plantation field. AIFF thought this tournament would boost the image of Indian football on a global level. Instead, this year's edition has left a bitter taste in a lot of people's mouths and once again, India in en route to becoming the butt of football jokes.
jason on Aug 30
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Great job guys, we couldnt do any better, with the level of biasness against us, each time we play with India, we had to deal with soft penalties by referees, Collina would laugh his butt off with these jokers. Even if you watches matches on Neo Prime, an African analyst who could not utter a word in English dont see anything good from the matches played by small countries like Nepal and Maldives, what a shame India, keep playing your dirty trick, you will land no where with your 1.2 billion baggage.
THaaru on Aug 30
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The level of refreeing is questionable, specially in tournaments hosted in India, they tends to favour host county in last two tournaments. These low level referees used to give very soft penalties against small footballing nations. Beside these, if you seen the matches on Neo Prime, you will see the biasness of the match analyst, i don't think he know football at all. why do small nations go and compete in these tournaments!!
thofi ahmed on Aug 30
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[@ cameroon hero] Cameroon 48 hours of 'deserved', while Maldivians got less. For EVERY SINGLE match we played. Let me elaborate. We played the second match, and the fourth, and the 6th of the tournament. Cameroon? You guys played the third, then the fifth and and then the EIGHTH. in what world do you guys think you deserved the win against us? I'm pretty sure the AIFF was trying to physically, (and mentally) break us down. We're proud our team them and Istvan, knowing that the AIFF has done the things they've did, for sure.
habeeb on Aug 30
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Its a matter of frustration and jealosy. Maldives never had an upper hand over cricket ruling country like India, except the the time they truimphant once for all in SAAF Cup. Even the under 21 of India brought back thecSAAF cup from the defending champions Maldives last time. That is history. I think Maldivesc has shown their calibre by defeatinf Syria and Nepal.of course you are always derailed ones wen you play against the regional giants India. so don be the bad losers. be happy with the six points. Hope you l get an invitation nrxt time.
Sam on Aug 30
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I am from India, felt impressed that we are surrounded by so much anti Indians. While we people in India are illusioned that countries like Maldives are our all weather friends. Now coming back to football. The Nehru Stadium was pathetic, not at all of international standards, I felt that I was watching more of a water polo, than football. Believe me, I am a fan of Asfaq, but sans Ashfaq none of the Maldive players are good (Sorry but true). If you think India cheats, then why do you care to participate in the Nehru cup. Lastly, none of the Asian countries participating in the Nehru cup, has a capability to win from Cameroon. If Maldive supporters think their team had a chance, then God Bless!!. I think when India decided to include Cameroon, the winner of the cup was already decided. I think on the contrary all the participating South Asian nations, should thank India for giving them a chance to play with Cameroon and Syria.
Ahan on Aug 30
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@[ cameroon hero ] ::: I did not hope for 3 points from the Cameroon match. All Maldivians know who we are when we compare with Cameroon. Actually what we are complaining is about the unfairness towards us. We know we CANNOT get friendlies with Cameroon and the likes, so when we get a golden chance like this to play against a super power, we also want to face them with out full strength. Look at the table and you will know this is true. India Got 2 days rest for every game, other teams got 2 day rest once, BUT Maldives got just 1 day rest.
James on Aug 30
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Guys Lets face the truth. Maldives win against Nepal was great compared to the last edition of SAFf Championship when Nepal dominated the match and a wonder strike from Ashfag saved the blushes for Maldives. Maldives lost against India in the last SAFF Championship by 3 goals to 1 thanks to some woeful defending and the same happened in the Negru Cup conceding 2 soft goals. Although the win against Syria is a first against them the game cud have gone either way with the pitch being water logged. The loss against Cameroon shud be digested as they were too strong in all departments. We all shud take the Nehru experience as a positive cos we had the chance to play against Cameroon n Syria and the Maldivian football team being in the process of transition without the older heads. I believe the young lads did their best n will serve the team better in the future.As for the performance in Nehru when ball is plyed on the ground the team looked much better against all opposition compared to whacking the ball up field. Time is needed and to play along the ground is needed to be inflicted in the playing methodology. Good work boys and lets be realistic Maldives lost to India cos of slack marking and to Cameroon costhey were much superior. The moment we all accept this the better v r without whining about India, referees, pitch condition and so on.
Footballz on Aug 30
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@footbaal mad .... goal Syria scored agaisnt. Maldives wasn't offside ... Because last touch was off Maldivian player
Imma on Aug 30
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Might I also applaud our coach, Istvan Urbanyi. To be honest I had my doubts about his credentials, especially after the poor performance of the team during the last SAFF Championship and AFC Challenge Cup. This time, he has shown that he is prepared to make brave decisions and that he does not give a damn about what anyone else thinks by dropping some of the more senior has-beens from the squad and bringing in younger players, most of whom deserved to play for the national team much earlier. You can see from his emotions that he is truly passionate about this country, and this proves that if you stick with a foreign coach long enough, he will eventually come to understand the football much better and deliver results. I am not sure as to how long his contract runs, but I hope FAM makes the right decision and keeps him for the foreseeable future as we prepare for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers and the 2013 SAFF Championship.
sufiyaan on Aug 30
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Face it ... we lost.. shouldn't have agreed to play if players were not getting enough rest.. players may have injured in the process.. so dont give bull shit excuses.. we lost.. i am sad.. but happy we got the oppertunity to play with the best
Ahan on Aug 31
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@[ Footballz ]:: That's very nice. But how could you "forgot" to tell us that Ashfaq's first goal WAS NOT offside. Being bias is pathetic , my dear. @[ Sam ] ::: I think you do not visit goal.com India page. There you will clearly see Indians DO NOT treat us as friends. They always say that they should be thrashing Maldives every time we face India. And you should also know the poor refereeing. The soft penalty against us. And that Horrible commentator repeatedly saying "referee is not gonna get a dream vacation in Maldives" as if we have bribed him. And one more thing India invited Maldives and Nepal not because we are neighbors or friends. India just FAILED to attract supper powers like Costa Rica, Nigeria. We were invited just fill the spot, after failing miserably to attract teams like Costa Rica, Nigeria, Thailand, Jordon (yes they accepted but was not sending their senior team) and Malaysia, nothing else. ::: Having said all that, i am still thankful for this tournament, because this year was meant to be an off year for Maldives. And we all know FAM can not arrange good friendlies for us. So at least we got chance to play a match with Syria and Cameron and mostly importantly with a young team.
DhiFootball on Aug 31
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Its nice to see lots of comments on our National Team. I like to share couple of thoughts I have too. As for the Nehru tournament, I feel we played ok but could have done lot better with little bit of more practice. The main issue as always was our mental and physical fitness. Our team have talent but once they get tired it's difficult to show the talent. Everyone is commenting on India playing a passing game. They were able to do it because they were fit enough to run to empty space. It's always good to assess the wrongs and learn from mistakes to develop a better future. I feel it's time the players as individuals concentrate more on developing their fitness on and off the field. Proper diet and rest along with set goals should be followed. Ways of measuring player fitness should be implemented. May be the clubs or FAM should invest in some equipment which could assist in this. Wishing all the best to Maldivian football.
Footballz on Sep 01
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@ahan... Ashfag used his hands.... Before puttinh ball into net..... Thtz why he didnt even complain
yaya on Sep 01
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we missed baka a lot agaisnt cameroon. overall this competition is okey. thank you india for the invite. we are normally very WEAK in away games. this tournament gave us another chance to play competitive games for young players. and they played really well. i remember 5yrs ago if we play against teams stronger than us even at home we play with 10 defenders and barely make 1 to 1 passes. i can see thats changing SLOWLY. it will take time. i still hope FAM ,clubs etc.. would do more to develop football.
thofi ahmed on Sep 01
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[@DhiFootball] the main issue was the really really really bad organization of the tournament. mental and physical fitness were problems too, though. i agree with that.
Sore Loosers on Sep 02
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Why is Maldives always like this? I mean every time they loose they whine and try and put blame on refrees etc. I know you people like Football and that is the only sport you play and would like to win against India. To be really honest apart from Aafaq all of the players wont even get into I-league teams FACT. Even Asfaq with his good speed and skills does not have enough stamina to last 90 minsutes and once he gets tired he will waste easy chances to score. Maybe you need to find your match and play with them for e.g Nepal and Sri Lanka and be happy.
Ahan on Sep 05
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@[ Footballz ] :: C'mon don't be so ignorant. Use this link and see the highlights once again. When you open this link it may show an add first, just skip it then you will see the video. Watch it 0:23 to 0:28, if you are very very busy.

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