Ali Thameem
Lhaviyani Kurendhoo is bracing for a tough round of fixtures with Group H rivals Raa Alifushi and Male’ City.
Alifushi had topped Group D in the first stage and Male’ City were runner-ups of Group B, while Kurendhoo snatched third place in Group C. The three teams have now been allocated to Group H, one of four groups in the second phase of the Gold Cup.
The three teams of Group H have some of the strongest defensive records after group stage one; all three teams have conceded just two goals in three games. Only Eydhafushi had conceded fewer (1) than these three teams.
But unlike Alifushi and Male’ City, who had a good scoring record in the first phase, Kurendhoo has yet to impress on the attack. Their Belgian midfielder Jody Bart’s strikes against Addu and Guraidhoo might have earned them four points, but those were the only two goals that Kurendhoo had scored so far.
Male’ City, on the other hand, had scored nine goals in their first two games – both clean sheets. The capital had however blanked against Eydhafushi. Alifushi had scored seven goals in three games to top Group D.
Home side Male’ City is set to clash with Alifushi, Raa Atoll’s sole contender in the Gold Cup. The latter have made certain their presence is felt both on the pitch and at the bleachers.
Kurendhoo is scheduled to play Alifushi this Wednesday and Male’ City on Friday, both games at night. The third and final game of the group – Alifushi vs Male’ City -will be played on the following Sunday, December 15th.
