Second half goals save Victory

Nafiu (L), Rodriguez and Luciano all hit the target

Male', MALDIVES - A second half drama from Victory was good enough to overcome Foakaidhoo and seal a 4 – 0 victory in ongoing Dhiraagu Dhivehi League. The match was deadlocked until 71st of the game and then two close efforts from Luciano gave Victory a breathing space. Later on, Rodriguez and Nafiu added more to take home everything from the game.

Victory started the game with Lareef upfront, but substituted midway through first half after he failed to show his class.

Best chances of this half fell into Nafiu and Shiyam. Early efforts from both of these promising players missed the target by inches.

Lareef and Raphael also have thrown away their chances in the half. Raphael, in front of the goal, fired a shot over the crossbar and Lareef’s cross targeted to the top corner was punched away nicely by keeper Rasheed.

Foakaidhoo’s only chance came in the 23rd minute of the game, but Hussain Rasheed failed to take full advantage due to the pressure from the opponents.

Lareef’s substitute, Assad headed a corner from Rodriguez in the 53rd minute of the game but keeper saved it to a corner and six minutes later Assad’s shot was denied by the post.

Izzath missed another good chance in the 60th minute, a timely pass from Assad was fired over the cross bar.

Victory’s continuous efforts to break the deadlock came in the 71st minute from Luciano. In the 83rd minute he doubled the lead from another powerful shot, which keeper Rasheed failed to keep his hand on.

Three minutes later Rodriguez showed his class, beating three defenders he took the shot which hit the back of the net and keeper couldn’t do much.

Nafiu scored the fourth goal from Victory’s 14th corner out of 15 in the game. Luciano took the corner and Nafiu headed the ball or not was a question, but many believed Nafiu had a touch on the ball.

Victory coach Mauroof agreed his side was in very much pressure after failing most of their scoring opportunities, but stated they are in a very comfortable position after the win. He also added the win will help raise players’ confidence ahead of their games.

"We wanted three points and it was very important for us. I am delighted that we got the three points. Now we are in a comfortable position"

"The confidence of the team would surely increase after the game. The mentality of the team would be much better for the upcoming games"

"The players could not hit the target and that put us in a lot of pressure. We needed a breakthrough and that was all you need against inexperienced teams"

"The supporters want us to be the champions. They do not want us to be the 2nd or 3rd. We should be number one. So we have to strive for it" He added

Foakaidhoo coach Mohamed Nazeeh said a school boy free kick gave Victory the lead and the remaining goals were also so simple but they couldn’t prevent it. He agreed the opponents are stronger than Foakaidhoo and expects better results in their remaining games.

“The free kick was simple. It was a school boy's free kick. The next goals were so easy goals that we gave"

"They were simply much stronger than us and the inexperience let us down."

"We could play much better in the upcoming games as teams like VB are weaker than Victory. Victory plays as a team and they are stronger"

___________________________________________________________________________