National team trimmed to 18 players

Coach Jankech talking to the press today

Male', MALDIVES -
National team coach Joseph Jankech finally decided the 18 players that will travel to Lebanon tomorrow to face them in 2011 Asian Cup preliminary qualifying game. The final 18 players were decided at the end of today’s practice session.

After the practice session held today, Jankech stated that five players that have been omitted from the team are; New Radiant’s injured duo Ahmed Thoriq and Shamveel Gasim, Adam Shareef, VB striker Adam Lareef (Ronaldo) and Maziya keeper Ifrah.

Coach further added that he didn’t get enough time to prepare for the game and his decision to exclude Ronaldo comes as a result to give chance to those players, who played more competitive games in the season. But assured that he will use the striker, who scored a goal in every game he played this season, in the future.

“This isn’t an appropriate timeframe to prepare for a game like this” the Slovakian said.

“Very few practices were conducted with the whole team together, as New Radiant and Victory couldn’t release their player due to AFC Cup games”

Jankech, who attended to witness Lebanon’s world cup qualifying game against Singapore shared his view on the Middle East side.

“Though they (Lebanon) lost the game against Singapore, they played really well”

“So we will try to attack when we get the ball and when we lost the possession we will try to defend”

Jankech included New Radiant defender Soabah, who played only one competitive game so far, due to suspension. But Jankech is optimistic and said he didn’t decide on first eleven yet.

“I can’t say whether Sobah will start the game or whether I will use Amil or Sobah, but Sobah is good at heading”

Maldives will depart tomorrow morning for their game against Lebanon.

Team against Lebanon:

1. Ali Umar, VB Sports
2. Ali Ashfaq, VB Sports
3. Mohamed Umair, Victory
4. Ashad Ali, Victory
5. Ahmed Saeed, Victory
6. Imran Mohamed , Victory
7. Ibrahim Fazeel, Victory
8. Ismail Mohamed, Victory
9. Ibrahim Amil, New Radiant
10. Assad Abdul Gani, New Radiant
11. Akram Abdul Gani, New Radiant
12. Sobah Mohamed, New Radiant
13. Mohamed Shifan, New Radiant
14. Hassan Rameez, Club Valencia
15. Mukhuthar Naseer, Club Valencia
16. Shinaz Hilmy, Club Valencia
17. Mohamed Arif, Club Valencia
18. Mohamed Jameel, Club Valencia