Preview: Maldives v Palestine

May 23, 2014 - 10:24:42 | Shimaaz Ali
Maldives prolific striker Ali Ashfaq scored twice against Kyrgyzstan. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

The host nation, Maldives can secure their path to the semi final with a win against Palestine. Any other result, Maldives needs to depend on the result of the other game between Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan. A draw would be enough to go through if Kyrgyzstan beat Myanmar.

TEAM NEWS:

Palestine won the only game against Maldives in the last edition of AFC Challenge Cup by 2-0 in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2012. Nearly almost all the players in the team played against Palestine that time.

Maldives coach Drago Mamic has said that if they perform like they did against Kyrgyzstand they can beat any team.

“I am sure if we perform like this we can beat any team in this tournament. But we have to understand that there is no weak team in this tournament.”

“Our main aim now is to qualify for the semifinal of the tournament.”

HEAD TO HEAD:

Palestine won the only game against Maldives by 2-0.

12-03-2012: Maldives 0-2 Palestine

PROBABLE LINE-UP: MALDIVES

Imran Mohamed (GK), Mohamed Rasheed (Hockey), Shafiu Ahmed, Amdaan Ali, Rilwan Waheed, Ibrahim Fazeel, Mohamed Umair, Mohamed Arif, Ali Fasir (Sentey), Hussain Niyaz (Bokury), Ali Ashfaq

Name

Comment

Send Now
Comments
thefan on May 23
Like 4
Dislike 2
Reply
I hope the three presidents will not attempt another political gimmick tonight to catch the imagination of a wary public. It takes away the sweetness of a win like the previous game as they hog all the limelight. That selfie seems to matter more to the media than a must-win game and it was their top headline. The news of the guys who spent every ounce of energy to bring some dignity to their football and how they should play was playing second fiddle to it. In the stadium, presidents you are the spectators, cheer on the guys. You’re sitting side by side, ditching all the political bitterness away for the cause of unity and nationalism is enough to drive home the point where your priority lies as far as nation and national team is concerned. So it is better not to do anything that will detract from main event unfolding on the pitch.

Headlines