Naifaru Chelsea have finally conquered the biggest club football tournament in the atolls: The Mangrove Island Championship.

Runners-up of the past two championships, Naifaru Chelsea dominated every single team they faced this year, culminating the victory tonight as they defeated Maziya Juniors in the final.

Prior to the final Naifaru Chelsea have kept clean sheets in every match. They defeated their group rivals Manadhoo 7-0 and, Maafaru 3-0, before knocking out Jibillee SC 3-0 in the semifinals.

Tonight’s game saw Naifaru Chelsea concede the very first goal in their campaign, as Maziya’s Hassan Nazeem opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. The penalty decision was made after a shot from Hassan Shifaz had caught the arm of Chelsea defender Marvin inside the box.

But a late brace from striker Al Haji Gero ensured Naifaru Chelsea made the comeback.

Gero equalized for Chelsea with a 82nd minute header. He completed the comeback with a penalty kick fired low into the left post, in the second minute of stoppage time.

Maziya Juniors had started their debut campaign in the TMIFC with a draw with Jibillee SC. They went on to defeat Kendhikhudhoo SC 10-0, and then equalize with Alifushi in a six goal thriller.

The Green Boys had reached the final after a semifinal comeback, knocking out Maafaru FC. Their youngster, 17-year-old Aidh Mohamed Javeez, went on to win both the top scorer and promising player of the tournament.