Ali Thameem
Male’ City has returned from a hiatus, winning their first game of group stage phase two against Kurendhoo. The home side has qualified for the quarterfinal, alongside Group H rivals Alifushi.
After a goalless first half, Male’ scored in the 53rd minute of the game. Yazdhaan’s shot deflected off of goalkeeper Sujan Pereira’s gloves before hitting the inside of the far post on its way in. Although it was the only goal seen in tonight’s game, both sides had created goalscoring chances in either half of the game.
With tonight’s result, Malé City has kept a clean sheet for the third time, the highest tally in the entire Gold Cup. The home side boasts the tournament’s best defensive record, having conceded only two goals in four games.
With Kurendhoo’s defeat tonight, Alifushi has guaranteed their spot in the quarterfinal as well, with one game in hand.
Male’ City’s next game is against Alifushi on Sunday evening. The Raa Atoll’s sole competitor in the tournament had topped Group D in the first phase of the Gold Cup and went on to defeat Kurendhoo in Tuesday’s game.
Male’ and Alifushi will face the winner and runner-up of Group E (Fuvahmulah/Guraidhoo/Thimarafushi) in the quarterfinals.
