Ali Thameem
Buru SC has earned a crucial three points against Victory Sports Club in last night’s match of the President’s Cup.
This was Buru SC’s second and last game of the group stage. Having defeated by Maziya in the opening day, Buru have now escaped immediate knockout, and instead increased their chances of reaching the semifinals.
In a goalless first half, Victory had more frequent chances to score the opener. Besides Naaim’s close-range free-kick and another shot from the edge of the box – both of which went off target – Buru were unable to create a goal-scoring opportunity.
Just one minute into the second half, Hudson scored the opening goal for Buru, rolling in a low cross from Gais on the left flank.
Victory equalized on the 77th minute, with Lacney striking a loose ball just inside the eighteen-yard box, after Buru SC defenders failed to clear a through pass from Hussain Niyaz Mohamed.
Four minutes later, substitute Abdhullah Yameen brilliantly dribbled into the penalty area from the right wing before crossing in from the byline for Hudson to tap in from inside the six yard box.
This was the thirteenth goal of the season for Hudson Dias – the most of any player in the top flight.
None of the three teams in this group are either knocked out or confirmed as semifinalists.
Buru SC has neutralized their goal difference, having conceded one goal against Maziya. Victory are now obliged to defeat Maziya by at least two goals in the final game of the group, if they were to qualify for the semifinals. In any other case, Buru and Maziya would be the ones to qualify.
