Urbanyi happy with the win against Nepal

Related Stories

Good start for Maldives

Nepal to fight for a win

Male', MALDIVES - Maldives National Coach Istavan Urbanyi says that that he was happy to win the opener against rivals Nepal, even though his side is not physically fit. Maldives won against Nepal by two goals to one.

Speaking at the post match press conference, Urbanyi noted the busy schedule of Maldivian players back at home with Ramadan and the local league (Dhivehi League)

"We had Ramadan and players were busy in local league”.

“The fitness level of the players is not in par level. Despite the low, we managed to win the match”.

“We were not in shape but Nepal were in worse condition. We could have utilize their disadvantage".

Urbanyi also highlighted that Maldivian Caption Ali Ashfag (Dhagangey) was not fully fit.

"Our main player Ali Ashfaq is also not in shape. If he was 100% fit, he would have scored at least two or three goals more”.

Maldives will face India, on the next match, which is scheduled to play on Saturday evening. India won their first match against Syria by 2-1. Since both Maldives and India has won their first games, whoever wins the face off will have high chances of qualifying for the final match.

Urbanyi believes the game against India will be difficult.

"We are playing next against India and we know how difficult it would be playing against the hosts",

"But we are ready. We are ready for all matches".

Meanwhile, Nepal Coach Krishna Thapa said that they had poor preparation as they had just two weeks’ time for preparing themselves for the Nehru Cup football tournament.

"It was indeed a poor performance. We have had limited time to prepare for this championship. But this is not an excuse".

"The early goal which we conceded also cost us dear".

"It was a mistake of goalkeeper (Ritesh Thapa). He should have gripped that ball well”.