Sidibari
FAM’s inaugural interschool football competition ‘Raajje Junior Championship’ has decided the finalists of its U17 category, as Maafushi School and Alifu Dhaalu Atoll Education Center (Adh.AEC) have come out on top in yesterday’s semifinals.
Adh. AEC, composed entirely of students from the South Ari Atoll’s capital Mahibadhoo, defeated Kalaafaanu School 1-0 yesterday afternoon.
One moment of brilliance from Mahibadhoo turned the game around in the 52nd minute. On the back of a counterattack from the right flank, Mahibadhoo winger Abdhullah Mujaahidh Shaheem broke the deadlock with a lowball into the far post.
Kalaafaanu had made it to the semifinals after defeating Guraidhoo 2-0 in the quarters, whereas Mahibadhoo defeated Imadudeen School 4-0.
The second semifinal match saw Maafushi School and Dharumavantha School run into a 2-2 stalemate at fulltime. Maafushi had made a comeback and taken the lead, after conceding late in the first half. But Dharumavantha equalized from a corner kick with just three minutes left until fulltime.
The resulting penalty shootout saw both teams score from the first three chances. Dharumavantha went on to misfire two penalties, while Maafushi had to delay their celebrations after the fifth taker failed to convert. Maafushi goalkeeper saved the sixth penalty, paving the way for the victory.
The final match between Adh. AEC and Maafushi School will kick off at 16:00 this Saturday evening.
