Ali Thameem
The Maldives’ Cup Winners’ Cup 2026 has kicked off this evening, as New Radiant took home a massive victory over Buru Sports Club.
New Radiant, the most successful club in the Cup’s history, overwhelmed the debutants, scoring once before half-time and four times in the second half.
The opening goal for New Radiant, one that separated the sides at half-time, was scored in the very first minute of the game by the Blues’ newest signing, Dorielton Gomes Nascimento.
The Brazillian would go on to strike twice more in the second half, scoring in rapid succession to make it 3-0. Alongside Dorielton, Ethan Ibrahim Zaki made his debut for New Radiant this evening. New Radiant’s product from the early 2010s, defender Ahmed Abdhullah (Lily), made it to the line-up as well, following the return to his boyhood club this transfer window.
The triple-substitution in the 56th minute saw Mohamed Naim make his debut for New Radiant as well. Naaim had been Buru Sports Club’s top scorer last season.
Two late goals that added to Dorielton’s hat-trick, one from captain Ali Fasir, the other from the Liberian Abdulai Bility, ended any prospect of a comeback.
New Radiant, the most successful club in the Cup Winners’ Cup with four trophies, are also the defending champions of the Cup.
The Cup Winners’ Cup was first played 31 years ago in 1995, but took a three-year hiatus following the inaugural tournament. By the time the tournament was abolished in 2009, New Radiant had won it on four occasions: 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2008. New Radiant’s closest contender, Club Valencia who had won it three times, have been relegated just months prior to the Cup being revived once more.
The single round-robin tournament is being played between four clubs; FA Cup Winners New Radiant, President’s Cup winners Odi Sports Club, Dhivehi Premier League winners Maziya Sports and Recreation, and the fourth-placed team from the DPL, Buru Sports Club.
Tonight’s game will see Odi Sports Club make their debut against Maziya Sports and Recreation.
