Ali Thameem
Addu City defeated K.Maafushi 3-0 in last night’s quarterfinal game, securing the fourth semifinal spot of the Ninety Plus Gold Cup.
The game was goalless for 70 minutes when Ismail Eesa unlocked Maafushi’s goal with a freekick from near the D-area. Mohamed Hazim Riffath added to the lead five minutes later, and Ibrahim Waheed settled the final score of 3-0 in stoppage time.
Addu’s unbeaten run in the Gold Cup continues into the semifinals, as the southern city faces Raa Alifushi on Saturday evening.
Earlier yesterday, Alifushi defeated Fuvahmulah on penalties in the quarterfinal game yesterday. The game had drawn 2-2 at full-time.
Fuvahmulah had made a first-half comeback after Nihan gave an early lead for Alifushi. Fuvahmulah’s first-half substitute Hussain Shareef struck a screamer from near the corner flag to equalize. They took the lead minutes later after an own goal from Nihan. The second half-equalizer for Alifushi was scored by Ahmed Sameez.
Although Alifushi’s first penalty taker Vijdhaan failed to score, the island’s goalkeeper saved two of Fuvahmulah’s penalties, while Ibrahim Salaam, Mohamed Rasheed and Hussain Nihan all scored from the spot. The fifth and final penalty of Alifushi was taken by Ahmed Husaam, who delivered and took Alifushi to the semifinal.
Addu City versus Alifushi will kick off at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. The first semifinal game will be played on Saturday evening, as Male’ City takes on Eydhafushi.
