Male' Maldives: Quarter-final night in the Club Maldives Cup 2025 delivered a mix of upsets, dominance, and drama, none bigger than Maldivian Sports & Recreation’s shock victory over Stelco RC, as the newcomers joined RRC, STO RC, and MPL in the semi-finals.
Maldivian, one of the underdogs in this year’s tournament, pulled off the night’s most unexpected result by defeating a star-studded Stelco side 3-2.
Playing with fluidity and fearlessness, Maldivian’s quick ball movement and sharp attacks broke through Stelco’s defensive shape repeatedly. Ibrahim Nadad (Kudattey) opened the scoring, but Stelco hit back through Zaidhan Abdulla (Zaikko) after a neat assist by Ali Maais. The momentum shifted again when Ismail Ahmed bagged a brace to push Maldivian ahead 3-1. Stelco found a lifeline through Naaih Mufeed (Naah), but it wasn’t enough. At the other end, Maldivian goalkeeper Abdusaddaad Adam (Dhaadhu) produced several stunning saves to secure the win and take home the Man of the Match award.
In another nail-biting contest, Road Recreation Club (RRC) held off a late comeback from Team MACL to clinch a 3-2 win.
RRC started strong, taking a two-goal lead thanks to a curling free-kick from Ahmed Aflaaz and a long-range strike by Shanan Rashad. However, MACL refused to back down. Ahmed Hushaam (Hushanko) pulled one back before halftime, and Abdulla Suzair brought them level in the second half. But just when it seemed like the match was headed for penalties, RRC were awarded a long-range penalty after MACL’s sixth foul. Shanan calmly slotted it in to book their place in the semis.
STO RC, the most decorated team in the competition’s history, showed once again why they’re never to be counted out.
They came from behind to edge past MTCC 3-2 in a pulsating encounter. MTCC struck first through Jumail Jameel (Jumbe), and after STO equalised through substitute Ahmed Raahil Rasheed (Raakko), Saamin Mohamed Naseer restored MTCC’s lead early in the second half. But that’s when Ali Khodadadi, STO’s Iranian forward, stepped up. After a quiet tournament so far, he scored two brilliant goals to swing the match in STO’s favour. Late drama followed as Khodadadi gave away a sixth foul, offering MTCC a golden chance to level from distance, but Jumbe’s shot flew over the bar, and STO held on.
The final quarter-final clash turned out to be the most one-sided of the night. MPL dismantled Team Fenaka with a commanding 6-0 win, reminding everyone of their title credentials.
Mohamed Zeedhan Zuhuree led the way with two goals, while Saman Dashan, Mohamed Yafaau (Yaa), Meesham Naeem, and Hassan Yoon joined the party to complete the rout.
With just four teams remaining, the semi-finals on Monday are set to be electrifying. Maldivian, still riding the high of their historic win, will face RRC, while two tournament giants, STO RC and MPL, prepare for a heavyweight clash. A new champion will be crowned this year, and with the way things are unfolding, fans can expect even more surprises ahead.
