Bengaluru (June 22) - Maldives began their SAFF Championship campaign with a 2-0 win over Bhutan in the Group B game tonight.
Two-time champions Maldives got the important 3 points but it was by far a convincing victory from Italian Francesco Moreira’s side.
Maldives took the lead within the first 5 minutes of the game played at the Sree Kantreeva Stadium in Bengaluru when Hamza “Hampu” Mohamed converted from the spot. Maldives was awarded a penalty when Hamza Mohamed was fouled in the box by a Bhutani defender.
Maldives was in control for about 20 minutes into the game, but Bhutan gradually improved their play and put Maldives under pressure for most of the game.
Maldivian goalkeeper Hussain Shareef, who was in place for the injured Mohamed Faisal, was forced to make 3 decisive saves in the first half to defend the lead of Maldives in the first half.
Maldives made two changes in the 58th minute bringing on Maziya’s Hassan Raif Ahmed and Ali “Sentey” Fasir. Within a few minutes of coming on the pitch Fasir made a shot that went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Tshering Dendup.
Bhtuan was unlucky not to find an equalizer in the second half one of their efforts hitting the post and goalkeeper Hussain stopping some of their attacks.
Maldives guaranteed the 3 points when substitute Naiz “Dhaadhu” Hassan got to the end of a superb through ball from Ibrahim Aisam and slotted the ball into the net after beating the rushing goalkeeper.
Maldives ended the game with 10 men as substitute Raif was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
After the match, Pema Dorji, the coach of the Bhutan team, stated that his side dominated the game but was not lucky enough to convert the chances.
"Though we didn’t win, it's hard luck. We dominated the game in attack, in defence as well. shots on target and all those stats. We lacked in finishing, we didn’t utilise it. If we utilised it we could have won," former Bhutan National player Pema said.
Maldives Coach, Italian Francesco Moriero stated he is "happy with the win" even though many things didn't go according to his wishes.
"Congratulations Bhutan match was no easy, big mistakes from Maldives, the field today not good. the problem Maldives the long time not player a match. Coach happy for match for win but not performance. No official match long time." Moriero stated.
Maldives will face Bangladesh in their second game while Bhutan will face Lebanon. These 2 games will be played on Sunday.
