Victory replaces Vyansa on top

Victory celebrates Izzath's opener

Male', MALDIVES - Goals from Izzath Abdul Baaree and Niyaz provided Victory a comfortable 2 nil win over table leader Vyansa. The win also helped Victory to replace Vyansa on the top spot with a benefit of two points and more importantly five points clear of major arch rivals like New Radiant and VB Sports.

With the likes of Sagno Rafael and Assad Ali at the front, Victory started pouring pressure on Vyansa in their crusade to win the league title.

Vyansa keeper Amoaka was forced to react brilliantly in the first minute of game to knock away Rafael’s shot.

After missing two good chances Izzath finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute of the game. A timely pass from Rafael, Izzath controlled and beat Amoaka to score the opener.

Before the half ends, Rafael missed a good one. His shot was blocked by Vyansa defenders and Izzath crossed from the rebounded ball, which was also blocked by the opponents.

Nine minutes into second half Lareef fired a shot off the target, which he could have done better to extend their lead.

Five minutes later Vyansa threatened Victory from Mohamed Rasheed’s stunning shot, which keeper Faisal saved without much trouble.

In the 89th minute, Sung sent a header over the crossbar and a minute later in a counter attack Victory doubled their lead. Izzath fired a good one on target but keeper Amoaka blocked the effort and Niyaz easily converted the rebounded ball into the goal and Amoaka was off position to do anything to deny the attempt.

After the match, Victory coach Mauroof states their aim was to win three points from today’s game and they’ve achieved that target. He also mentioned they missed the absence of foreign players.

“Our aim was to win three points from this game and we have achieved it” He said.

“We played without four key players, but Victory has players capable of starting the game in first eleven so we didn’t feel the tension of their (key players) unavailability”

“But we missed the absence of our foreign players” He added.

“We planned to win the game with a good passing game; besides the two goals we missed chances to score goals”

“Now we are on top of the league and will do our best to protect the lead”

Vyansa coach Marzooq (Marey), who completed his first three games unbeaten, said he never saw Victory lose a deciding game in his football career. Marey also said he was surprised the referee didn’t show a red card to Victory’s striker Assad Ali.

“Since I was a player until now, I never saw Victory losing a deciding game and I have explained it to my players”

“They played really well in the first, but missed one and from that Victory scored”

“We couldn’t control the spirit of Victory, that’s the main reason of our loss today”

“I don’t want to talk about the referee, I don’t want to talk about the goal Sung scored, but I am surprised the referee didn’t send off Assad (Adubarey). I believe he should have been red carded before he was substituted”

Marey also said they lost the game the best way they can and the substitution of Rilwan affected his team.

“We lost the best way Vysana should lost, we put Victory under pressure in the final fifteen minutes.We created chances but couldn’t use it”

“Substitution of Rilwan affected the team very badly; he is one of the four main pillars of the team”

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