Male' Maldives: Second matchday of the Dhivehi Premier League saw contrasting results, with Buru Sports Club and Club Eagles battling to a thrilling 2-2 draw, while defending champions Maziya Sports and Recreation eased past TC Sports Club with a commanding 3-0 win.
Eagles, looking to bounce back after their opening-day defeat to Maziya, made a bright start against Buru. Star forward Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) struck twice in the first half, punishing lapses in Buru’s defense to give Eagles a comfortable lead.
But Buru responded just before halftime through Mohamed Naaim, whose stunning free-kick reignited their hopes. Building on that momentum, Buru came out stronger in the second half. When Naaim was fouled inside the box, Abdulla Junaid (Jeynne) coolly converted from the spot to make it 2-2.
Both goalkeepers, Mohamed Ashwan for Eagles and Mohamed Faisal for Buru, produced crucial saves in the final minutes, ensuring the points were shared.
Meanwhile, in the day’s second fixture, Maziya Sports and Recreation showcased why they have dominated Maldivian football in recent years.
On his debut, Spanish striker Sergio Mendi opened the scoring with a powerful header in the eighth minute, connecting with a precise cross from Hamza Mohamed (Hampu).
Just before halftime, Hampu again turned provider, this time for Hassan Nazeem Gasim (Choatu), who doubled Maziya’s lead at the far post.
The defending champions sealed the win late on when 16-year-old, Mohamed Illan Imran, introduced as a substitute, netted his first league goal for the champions, in the 87th minute following a neat assist from fellow substitute Nassah Ibrahim Nasir.
With the victory, Maziya, winners of the last four Premier League titles, remain unbeaten in domestic competitions this year, having also lifted the League Cup earlier in May.
