Rilwan sends Vyansa to the top

Vyansa players celebrate Rilwan's winning goal

Male', MALDIVES - Defending champions New Radiant suffered a major setback in ongoing Dhiraagu Dhivehi league as they fell into the hands of minnows, Vyansa, today. New Radiant, who could increase their gap in the table, was forced to stay at third and in fact Vyansa took the top spot with a remarkable 1-0 win against the blues. Rilwan was the hero of the match as his 79th minute header settled the clash of big and small.

New Radiant missed numerous chances in the first 45 minutes of the game; Ashfaag’s 28th minute attempt was blocked by Vyansa players and Shimaz’s shot in the 40th minute was denied by the post.

Three minutes later a thunderbolt from Shamveel missed the target by inches and a minute later Akram, who was left unmarked, shoots from Shimaz’s timely pass but the effort missed the target practically.

Ten minutes into second half, Shimaz tried to penetrate the defense of Vyansa but his challenge was knocked away by the keeper.

In the 62nd minute Kofi executed a powerful free kick on the edge of New Radiant penalty area, but missed the target nearly.

Escaping from an offside trap, Rilwan headed the cross from Solah in the 79th minute to go for a wild celebration.

Nearly five minutes before full time, Ashfaag and Vyansa keeper Amoaka had a clash and players from both sides had to intervene and referee punished both Ashfaag and Amoaka with a yellow card each.

Vyansa coach Marzooq (Marey) who stated before the match that he will be very happy  as a coach if Vyansa beat New Radiant, but as a football fan he will be sad repeated the same comment after the match.

“I am extremely happy as Vyansa coach for winning this game, but as a football loving fan I feel sad for the performance of nine national team players” He started.

“I really think hard on how they will perform in the upcoming SAFF championship”

Marey also thanked his players and management for the big win they achieved today.

“I would like to thank the players and the management for this win” he said.

He also added that the wet pitch condition was not a problem for his players but could be a problem for New Radiant players.

“Our players are not professionals; they have never been selected to national team so it won’t be a problem for them to play beach football even” He said.

“But New Radiant have professional players and the pitch condition may affect them” He added.

Meanwhile New Radiant coach said he cannot blame his team for the big loss and instead he congratulated Vyansa for winning the game.

“I cannot blame my team, today we played really well and created many chances but we couldn’t score” he said.

“Congratulations to the winning team, this is a big fight”

Gerd failed to answer why Ashfaag couldn’t score today as he scored five of New Radiant’s eight goal against FVD in their round one last game.

“I don’t know, may be Ashfaag is little bit unlucky today. Shamveel and Shimaz got many chances and they couldn’t score” He said.

Both Ashfaag and Shamveel will be suspended for Valencia game and Gerd said he is not scared.

“We must start from zero again. If my team continues this form I am not scared” He said.

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