Valencia's title run over

Valencia took the lead, but not enough

Male', MALDIVES - Club Valencia has blown away their chance of winning Dhiraagu Dhivehi League after a 1-1 draw against VB sports today. The draw gave Valencia only 14 points in 10 games and if they win the remaining two games will give them 20 points, which is one point less than Victory already captured. Valencia took the lead in the first half, but VB leveled less than 10 minutes into second half.

Azim Hussain, who lost his scoring form after the departure of their former coach David Booth, scored the opener in the 33rd minute of the game.

Before the goal, Valencia keeper Rameez punched away a shot from Firaz to a corner in the 2nd minute.

Three minutes after the goal, Mukhthar fired away a shot off the target.

In the dying minutes of first half, Rameez once again rescued Valencia by knocking away a shot from Ibrahim Fazeel.

Four minutes into second half, VB went close to grab their equalizer but Eugene’s header hit the cross bar.

But in the 56th minute, Ismail leveled the game from a nice chip shot over the keeper.

And three minutes later Valencia suffered a setback as defender James was given the marching orders after taking his second yellow.

Valencia’s best chance of scoring in the second half came in the 72nd minute but Shinaz’s shot was nicely blocked by keeper Sinan.

After the match VB coach Carlos showed satisfaction over the result and said they played well today, especially in the second half. He also highlighted their captain Ali Umar is improving and hopes a place in top four.

“We played really well today, especially in the second half. I am satisfied with the result”

‘Today we played against one of the best teams in Maldives; probably they are the best in a passing game”

“I am confident we can reach top four. Our players are improving, especially Ali Umar”

Meanwhile Valencia coach (Binma) Abdullah Waheed admitted they came to win three points today, because he know the tension they will feel if they fail today. He also added they fell into this situation because of players’ lack of proper concentration.

“We came to win three points, because based on the league table I know we will be in pressure if we fail” He started.

“We played well in the first half; we created open chances but failed to score”

“They (VB) got space to play after James sent off. Our players lack experience and they didn’t take the games seriously enough that’s why we are in this situation”

Binma also expressed unhappiness over the refereeing today and said referee showed only a yellow card for Jazeel, who fouled Felix out of play.

“FAM should monitor these things properly” He said.

“We will try to win the remaining two games, I know it would be hard but still we hope so”

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