Ali Thameem
New Radiant’s first top-flight game in about seven years turned into a goal fest, as the Blues defeated TC Sports Club 6-0 in this evening’s Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League match.
This was the second game of the season, and the Blues not only took three points but also gained a healthy goal advantage to start the campaign.
The opener came midway through the first half when debutant Mohamed Irufaan struck from outside the box after receiving a pass from Mohamed Shahaau.
The second goal followed in the 39th minute, as Ali Fasir curled a free kick into the near post. Just three minutes later Fasir was brought down by the TC goalkeeper in a one-on-one, and Brazilian midfielder Gomez Da Silva converted the penalty.
Fasir, who had rejoined the Blues for a fourth time just days before FAM greenlit New Radiant’s return to the DPL, added his second goal of the game less than a minute into the second half. The TC goalkeeper fumbled the ball despite winning the chase for a through ball. The ball slipped from his gloves right at the feet of Fasir to roll it into an empty net.
TC managed to create a few chances but never looked convincing in front of the goal. New Radiant made it 5-0 when substitute Hassan Azoom finished off a through ball from Gomez with a well-timed run.
The sixth came with five minutes left, as Hassan Raaif dive-headed in a cross from Vijudhaan, finding himself completely unmarked in the area.
For a newly assembled side, New Radiant looked sharp in attack against a clumsy TC side. Debut goals from Raaif, Irufaan, and Fasir proved optimistic for head coach Ali Suzain’s tactical approach.
Suzain, who had spent much of his career as a nemesis of the New Radiant, now leads the team. And with this evening’s result, he has given them a strong start to build upon for the rest of the season.
