Ali Thameem
In one of the biggest games of football played at Galolhu stadium this year, Eydhafushi defeats Male’ City 3-2 in this evening’s semifinal, as the capital of Baa Atoll books their ticket in the final of the Ninety-Plus Gold Cup.
Eydhafushi started the game with the return of El Wany – their foreign player- into the starting line-up. The capital of Baa has also featured Hamza Mohamed in the line-up for the first time in the Gold Cup.
Eydhafushi scored all three goals in the span of eight minutes, midway through the first half. Hamza scored a brace in the 22nd and 25th minutes. First of his goals was assisted by Ishan Ibrahim, who delivered a low cross into the centre of the penalty box. Hamza’s second goal was a diving header from the far post, with Aiham’s delivery from a freekick.
Aiham provided a second assist with a low cross from the byline to an unmarked Ishan, who scored the third goal by firing into the roof of the net.
Male’ City managed to improve on the attacking front towards the end of the first half. The home side started the second half even stronger, scoring just two minutes after half-time. Assisted by Maish, Ali Shiyah struck from the left touchline, dipping the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Moments after the hour-mark, El Wany brought down Male’ City’s Ahunaf inside the penalty area. Rilwan Waheed’s goal from the spot narrowed the gap to just one goal, but Male’ City ultimately failed to make the comeback.
With today’s defeat, home side Male’ City exits the Ninety-Plus Gold Cup. Two of Male’s three defeats in the tournament were handed to them by Eydhafushi.
Eydhafushi’s opponent in the final game will be decided in tonight’s semifinal game, as Addu City takes on Raa Alifushi.
