Ali Thameem
North Thiladhunmathi Atoll capital Dhidhdhoo are crowned champions of the first North Region League, after pulling off a brilliant comeback over H.DH Hanimaadhoo this evening.
Playing away at Hanimaadhoo football ground, Dhidhdhoo kept their streak intact with the fifth win in five fixtures. The home team scored in their very first attack; Hanimaadhoo found the breakthrough in the second minute of the game, with a long ball over the length of the field, as their forward Ufaal Abdhullah finished it off.
Dhidhdhoo equalized following a 62nd minute freekick, as one of their foreign players fired in a lowball after Hanimaadhoo defenders failed to make the clearance. Ten minutes later, their number nine struck in with a volley, connecting with a long cross from the right flank.
The North League is one of the three atoll-based regional leagues. The North League covers an area of seven atolls from Haa Alifu to Lhaviyani. The four participants in this year’s North League are HA. Dhidhdhoo H.Dh. Hanimaadhoo, alongside the capitals of Noonu and Baa; Manadhoo and Eydhafushi.
Dhidhdhoo will play the final fixture away at Eydhafushi, against the capital of Baa Atoll. Dhidhdhoo had defeated Eydhafushi – one of the biggest names in Maldivian football – at home earlier in the league.
The capital of the northernmost atoll has thus earned their spot in the DPL Qualifiers. They will compete alongside Club Green Streets, TC Sports Club, Biss Buru Sports Club, and the champions of the Central and South Leagues, which are yet to be decided.
