Preview: Maldives v Bhutan

Dec 23, 2015 - 10:39:42 |
Coach Ricki giving instructions to his team during today's training session.

Trivandrum, INDIA – While Maldives is preparing to face Bhutan in this year’s SAFF Suzuki Cup, the Maldives defeated them by 4-3 in 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier last October. And also they won three friendly games out of four games during the training camp in Malaysia last week.

FORM

Maldives is heading into this game after a 4-3 win against Bhutan in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in October, Maldives had a very good training camp in Malaysia just few days back in preparation for this tournament. They played four friendly games and lost their first game against UITM by 5-2. But won the last three matches against Air Asia FC by 2-0, PDRM FA by 3-2 and UKM by 4-2.

Bhutan sacked their former coach during the half time of the match against Maldives in October and in the second half they scored three goals against the Red Snappers.

“In the last world cup qualifying match was very challenging for us. After we played 50, 60 minutes very well and we lost control. It will be a very interesting contest. For both sides it will be very competitive.” - See more at: http://www.maldivesoccer.com/s/It-will-be-a-competitive-game-says-Ricki--6014#sthash.FBIfTj8m.dpuf
“In the last world cup qualifying match was very challenging for us. After we played 50, 60 minutes very well and we lost control. It will be a very interesting contest. For both sides it will be very competitive.” Maldives coach Ricki Herbert said before the match against Bhutan.
National team keeper Imran Mohamed during today's training session. (MS Photo: Ibrahim Faid)National team keeper Imran Mohamed during today's training session. (MS Photo: Ibrahim Faid)

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Maldives and Bhutan met only thrice in the past and twice in the SAFF Championship. In 2003, during the SAFF Championship in Dhaka Maldives started the tournament against Bhutan with a 6-0 win. Mohamed Nizam scored for Maldives just two minutes into the game. Ali Shiham became the first Maldivian to score an international hat trick with his strikes in the 24th, 25th and 67th minute. In 2013 edition Maldives defeated Bhutan by 8-2 in which Ali Ashfaq scored four goals against them.

In 2009, Maldives faced Bhutan in AFC Challenge Cup qualifying game, which Maldives won by 5-0. Ali Ashfaq scored twice and Mohamed Umair scored once in the game.

In the FIFA World Cup Qualifier Ali Ashfaq scored a hat trick against Bhutan while Ahmed Nashid scored his first goal for his country.

Ace striker Ali Ashfaq. (MS Photo: Ibrahim Faid)Ace striker Ali Ashfaq. (MS Photo: Ibrahim Faid)

INTERESTING FACTS

Maldives have a habit of scoring early goals against Bhutan. In 2003, Thoddoo Nizam scored in the 2nd minute while in 2009 Ali Ashfaq scored in the 4th minute. And in last October Ahmed Nashid opened the goal in the 10th minute, which they won by 4-3.

Name

Comment

Send Now
Comments
Footy on Dec 24
Like 0
Dislike 0
Reply
Maldives need to be very organised at the back. We saw how we collapsed towards the end against the same opponent few months back. We have to be very compact and never should lose shape when they mount attack. They can be very dangerous on the counter so our full backs have to be very alert to their wing raids.
agon on Dec 24
Like 2
Dislike 0
Reply
Would be a good match for supporters of each nation as the teams are of equal strength. The super powers of the regions football like india afghanistan and bangladesh should keep an eye on these two teams as they may cause an upset. Good luck to Maldives, they should aim for a top 4 finish.

Headlines