New Radiant cruise to the cup final

The struggling New Radiant heals the AFC Cup pain by cruising into the FA Cup final today by beating arch rival Victory.


Blues one and only goal came from substitute player Arfiu in the 71st minute of the game.



In today's match even though New Radiant dominated the first half, they could not score any goal against a superb defensive Victory side. But the whole scene was changed when Aafiu was substituted and his superb build up lead to a superb goal.



New Radiant got some incredible open chances, but their strikers were unable to convert any of those beating Victory's goal keeper, Imran. Imran managed to save some incredible shots by Ashfaaq and Idris as well.



Shamveel took a wonderful shot outside the penalty area, and that time even Imran managed to save the ball.


Shamveel got another golden opportunity when he headed the ball all alone inside the penalty area. His header went out for a goal kick.



Victory also got a golden opportunity. Ashfaan's free kick was saved brilliantly by Sadhun. The ball was moving to the top corner of the goal. But Sadhun dived to his right saving the ball.


There were no changes in the line up during half time.



The fortunes for New Radiant were turned to their side, from a superb build up between Arfiu and Idris. Arfiu passed the ball to Idris who was around in the center circle. He dribbled past a defender and gave a through pass back to Arfiu and then from a very tight angle almost near the goal line, his shot went in to the corner of the goal.


He was yellow carded as he took off his jersey during his goal celebration.



Victory then stared to push all their players forward and got some numerous chances to equalize.
Shiyam lost a great chance as he was all alone inside the penalty area. His marker was never around him, but his shot was straight to Keeper Sadhun's hands.



The match ended with the same score line.


After the match, New Radiant coach, Gerd said that he was delighted about his team's performance during the game.


“I am satisfied with the performance of the team. I am not only satisfied with the results, but the performance was good today. We dominated the possession and controlled the game.”


Gerd also explained his game strategy and said that he wanted a win in today's game.



“We did not win against Victory this season and we wanted to change that. We came here to win in the 90 minutes and we did it. I did not practice penalty kicks during yesterday's practice even as I did not want to shoot penalties. I wanted to win in the 90 minutes”



He also thanked the supporters and said the team was good enough to get back after the loss in Singapore .


Meanwhile, Victory's coach Mauroof said that both teams were even and New Radiant had the luck today on their side.


“We played well and they had the luck on their side today.”



He also congratulated New Radiant and the team's supporters for their win


“I congratulate New Radiant and their supporters for the first win against us this year”


Mauroof did not want to give up and said that there is always next time.


“In sports there is always next time and our management and the players would consider it seriously for the coming tournaments. The team with youngsters has proved they are worthwhile. We need to strengthen the team if we want to win and the management would consider it as well”



New Radiant, who won this tournament in the last two years, have the opportunity to make it three in row now.


New Radiant will face either VB sports or Valencia in the final, the second semi final between Valencia and VB sports will be played on next Friday. Many believes this is going to be the first real challenge for the new comer, VB sports.