SAFF C'ship: Afghanistan 0 – 0 Maldives

Sep 06, 2013 - 04:53:50 | Mohamed Sajid

Umair played well in today's game but missed 3 open chance for Maldives (MS photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Kathmandu, NEPAL – Maldives held to a goalless draw against Afghanistan in their last match in the group stage of SAFF Championship 2013. With this result Maldives is spot to play against India in the semifinal of the tournament as Group-B winners.

Maldives came out to the field with four substitutions including skipper Ali Ashfaq on bench, comparing to the last match line-up.

Afghanistan held more position in the first half of the game but it was Maldives to create the most open chance of the game in the 36th minute. Ali Umar found Umair with a perfect through pass inside the box, but unmarked Umair’s free shot went direct in to the keeper’s hand.

Umair missed another scoring chance in the seventy third minute, Fasir sent a good ball to Umair who was running from right flank, he dribbles inside the box but the shot inside the penalty area goes wide off the target.

Imran made a good save on Hamdhulla’s shot from inside the penalty area in the 84th minute of the game.

Umair could have taken the lead for Maldives in the extra minutes of the second half, picking up a blunder from Afghanistan defense line Umair shoots in one against one but keeper well blocked the shot.

In return counter attack Imran made a superb save on Afghan’s shot from inside the penalty area. Imran dived and punched the ball out a corner kick.

Match ended in a goalless draw and confirms the top place of the group-B to Maldives with 7 points from 2 games while Afghanistan hold the second place with goal difference to Maldives.

Afghanistan will play against host Nepal in the first semifinal of the tournament on 08th September 2013 while Maldives will face India on 09th September 2013 in the second semifinal.