Ali Thameem
Eydhafushi defeats Dhidhdhoo 4-1 in the final game of Group F.
With today’s result, the capital of Baa Atoll qualified for the quarterfinals of the Ninety Plus Gold Cup. While all three teams earned 3 points each, Eydhafushi and Maafushi advanced via the rule of goal difference.
Ali Naseem opened the scoring in the 21st minute, courtesy of a through ball from Ishan. Twenty minutes into the second half, Eydhafushi scored a second goal; Jaushan tapped it in after Dhidhdhoo defenders failed to clear Ishan’s low cross into the box.
At this point in the game, all three teams of Group F were all square; on points and on difference in goals. Had the game ended in two-nil for Eydhafushi, the group’s fate was going to be determined by a coin toss.
But the game was headed for late drama; In the 85th minute, Mohamed Fasir beat the charging goalkeeper and rolled the ball from a narrow angle into the open goal. Fasir scored a fourth goal for Eydhafushi in stoppage time.
Dhidhdhoo fought back with a late goal by Hussain Zimyan, way past the hundredth minute. The final whistle had been delayed due to an altercation. However it was too late for a comeback, and the capital of Haa Alifu exited the tournament.
After Monday’s 2:0 defeat against Maafushi, Eydhafushi were on the brink of being knocked out. Their only chance to qualify for the quarterfinals was to defeat Dhidhdhoo by scoring three or more goals; winning with a two-goal lead at the least.
Ninety Plus Gold Cup’s group stage has three games remaining. Tonight’s game between Fuvahmulah and Guraidhoo will determine the fate of Group E.
Alifushi and Male’ City, both already qualified, face each other in tomorrow’s evening game. Eydhafushi and Maafushi’s quarterfinal opponents will be determined after tomorrow night’s Group G game between Addu City and Lhaviyani Naifaru.
