Ali Thameem
The final match of H.Dh Atoll Futsal Championship has been decided, Hanimaadhoo and Naivaadhoo won their respective semifinal this Thursday.
In the first semifinal played on Thursday evening at Nolhivaranfaru Futsal Ground, Hanimaadhoo defeated Neykurendhoo by 2 goals to 1.
Hanimaadhoo’s Ali Hussain scored the opener – a 17th minute freekick that pierced through the Neykurendhoo defense line. The two sides were back on level terms at the break, after Neykurendhoo’s Mohamed Raaif Fazeel scored the equalizer from a corner-kick just before the half-time whistle.
Late into an equally fought second half, Hanimaadhoo found the winning goal via Noorullah Thoha with just two minutes left on the clock.
Hanimaadhoo topped Group A of Haa Dhaalu on goal difference, having tied on points with both Nolhivaranfaru and Kumundhoo. Neykurendhoo had made it to semifinals by defeating Kurinbi in the group stage. They had finished second in the group behind Naivaadhoo, to whom they lost.
Hanimaadhoo’s final opponents were decided after Thursday night’s clash between Naivaadhoo and Nolhivaranfaru. Naivaadhoo, who won both their games in the group stage, continued their winning form with a comfortable 5-0 win over the hosts. Braces from Muhammadhu Shaain and Mohamed Aslam, followed by a fifth goal from Abdulla Visam took Naivaadhoo into the final.
With the finals decided, Naivaadhoo, the title holders of the Golden Futsal Challenge have guaranteed their spot in the North Regional League, and so have Hanimaadhoo.
The Haa Dhaalu final will kick off on 20:30 on Sunday night at Nolhivaranfaru Futsal Ground.
