New Radiant outclassed Foakaidhoo

Shamveel (R) and Ilyas each scored one goal

Male', MALDIVES - New Radiant outclassed Foakaidhoo in a hard fought battle played today in ongoing Dhiraagu Dhivehi League. The minnows showed their best performance in the tournament, according to their coach, but the champions went home with a ‘not so bad’ 3 – 0 win that took them to the top of the eight team table.

New Radiant looked to be in bad form early in the game as coach Gerd opted for a double substitution in the 22nd minute. Taking off Ashfaag and Idris, the German introduced Shimaz and Ilyas and they both scored later in the game.

In the 31st minute Nishan missed one of the best chances for New Radiant, failing to keep his shot on target.

Three minutes later Foakaidhoo keeper Rasheed stretched once again to parries away a shot from Ilyas.

Shimaz broke the deadlock in the 36th minute from a decent pass by Shamveel. Shimaz beat the off positioned keeper to celebrate the opener.

Before the half time, Shamveel missed a chance sending the ball over the cross bar.

Foakaidhoo created their first chance of the game inside 10th minute of second half, but Najim’s shot went off target by inches.

In the 64th minute Shamveel missed a close effort, Shimaz did all the hard work of passing through the defenders and passed the ball to unmarked Shamveel, whose shot missed the target by inches.

Four minutes later, New Radiant defenders worked hard to block a shot from Foakaidhoo.

New Radiant pressed hard at the later stage of the game and keeper Rasheed smartly knocked away shots from Sobah and Assad, but was not good enough to save Ilyas’ shot on right corner in the 80th minute.

Shamveel, who assisted Shimaz and Ilyas in their goals, scored New Radiant’s third in the 90th minute.

New Radiant coach Gerd was happy with the result and the performance from his boys and added that Ashfaag and Idris were substituted due to injuries, but reveals they have problems with Shimaz.

"It was a better performance and  I am happy with the overall result"

"Ashfaaq would be ready for the next match and if Shimaz plays well, then I would not have any problems with the strikers. Shimaz has some problems attending practices and we need to talk about him with that"

Foakaidhoo coach Nazeeh insisted this was their best performance so far in the tournament.

"It was the best performance of Foakaidhoo in the whole tournament and I am very happy with that. The only problem today was the referee turned out to be so kind and gifted goals to New Radiant” highlighting that a defender of Foakaidhoo was fouled inside the penalty area prior to Shamveel's goal.

Foakaidhoo, who failed to win any point after six matches played, is the first member confirmed to be knocked out from first round. Only the best six will advance to the second round and FVD is likely to join Foakaidhoo at the end of this round.

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