Ali Thameem
Maldives National Football Team emerged victorious in the first international game played in over a year.
Ali Fasir (Sentey)’s solo goal was what separated the two nations at full-time. Today marked the very first time that Maldives defeated Bangladesh on their home soil.
The last time Maldives played a game – and lost – was against Bangladesh as well; in the first round of World Cup / Asian Cup joint qualification.
Bangladesh had started the game on the front foot, but Maldives’ defense line managed to absorb the pressure. In the 19th minute of the game, Ali Fasir headed in a cross by Hamza Mohamed, lending Maldives the lead.
The home side had created multiple chances in their effort to level the scoreline; Fahim’s shot missed the goalpost by a few inches, and Sohel Rana’s strike had been deflected off the goalpost.
Second half saw a higher level of attacking threat from Maldives. Ahmed Aiham’s shot had bounced off the bar, while Ali Fasir squandered a sitter by delaying the attempt.
Bangladesh’s defender Eesa Faisal gambled on his chances of staying on the pitch with a last-man foul play that robbed Hassan Naiz of his one-on-one opportunity. Maldives players appealed the leniency of the resulting yellow card, but the referees’ decision was not overturned.
Midway through the second half, Bangladesh put fresh legs onto the pitch, and attacked with more conviction, but ultimately fell short of equalizing. The goalkeeper of Maldives, Hussain managed to keep out attempts by Mujiburrahman and Morsaleen. He also managed to save a one-on-one strike from Rakib Hussain, late into the second half.
The second game of Maldives’ trip to Bangladesh will be played on Saturday.
