Ali Thameem
Eydhafushi has dropped points in the Ninety-Plus Gold Cup for the first time, as K.Maafushi defeated the capital of Baa by 2:0 in tonight’s game.
Cutting inside from the left flank, Ibrahim Atheeg Hassan struck a lowball into the far corner of the goal to give Maafushi the lead in the 33rd minute of the game. This was only the second goal conceded by Eydhafushi since the tournament began.
The second goal of the game came in the final minute of normal time; Maafushi team’s Ismail Mafaaz scored from in front of the six-yard box. Although the first two shots on run-up to the goal were blocked, Mafaaz was able to shove the rebound ball into the net.
While both teams created chances from which goals were expected, Maafushi had seen more chances to score. This was the first game in which Eydhafushi had failed to score a goal – they had scored 11 in three games of the first stage of Gold Cup.
The second game of this group will be played on Wednesday evening; Maafushi versus Ha. Dhidhdhoo. A draw against Dhidhdhoo will guarantee Maafushi a spot in the quarterfinals. Eydhafushi versus Dhidhdhoo will take place on Saturday, the 14th of December.
