"New Radiant is a team not a One man team"
Victory coach Mauroof Ahmed’s (Maattey) dream of becoming a great grandfather in Maldivian football was forced to keep colourless as they felt into the hands of arch rivals, New Radiant, twice in President’s Cup to blow away the chance of winning the prestigious trophy three years in a row for a third occasion. New Radiant, who beat Victory in the opening game with a late goal from Ashfaag, came much stronger in the final played tonight and turned things very much into their side within the first 45 minutes.
New Radiant, who missed Ashfaag and Shifan for suspension, took the lead through captain Assad in the 22nd minute. In a half fully dominated by the blues, Assad’s cross into Victory penalty area ended up into the net when Akram tried to head the ball and the same time keeper Faisal tried to save it, but missed the ball completely.
Prior to the opener, both New Radiant and Victory missed a great effort to break the deadlock. First it was Shamveel’s 7th minute solo effort, which missed the target nearly and a minute later Shiyam, for Victory, failed to pass the ball to unmarked Luciano inside New Radiant penalty area and keeper Sadun attended the ball quickly.
In the 28th minute Luciano fired a shot over the cross bar and in the 36th minute Shimaz (Kocky) doubled the lead for the blues. Keeper Faisal missed the weak shot which crossed the line slowly.
With two goals up, New Radiant played comfortably and Victory failed to show their true level.
In the dying minutes of first half, New Radiant scored one more; Idris’ header hit the cross bar and Shamveel scored comfortably from the rebounded ball.
As expected, the second period happened to be a more physical one rather than an eye catching display. It was all fouls and free kicks through out the half, but in the 61st minute Idris could have scored New Radiant’s fourth of the night but he shot onto a goal covered by only Anil went out.
In the 65th minute Rodriguez scored Victory’s first goal and New Radiant was forced to clear a shot from Lareef on the goal line in the 81st minute.
That gave an indication that the reds are still alive in their dream of winning the title three years in a row for a third occasion, but it didn’t happen this time.
New Radiant, who beat Victory 1-0 in the opening game, defeated them 3-1 tonight to lift the title. Players, officials and supporters from both sides clashed at the final whistle and the security officials had to intervene to control the situation.
Shamveel Gasim of New Radiant was named as the man of the match and the player of the tournament and team mate Sadun Dhevida was awarded with best goal keeper award.
Ismail Mohamed of VB Sports received fair play player award and Victory won the fair play team award.
After the match New Radiant coach reacted happily for winning the title and said since they lost Dhivehi League to Victory they were very much in need to win this title. He also added that he advised his players about the absence of Shifan and Ashfaaq.
“We wanted to win this title, because we lost the league”
“Though we missed Ashfaag and Shifan, I advised the players that this is a team not a team depending on a single player”
Gerd also admitted that he didn’t expect such a lead in the first half and explained the players during the half time that the game isn’t over yet.
“I thought this will be a tough game, I didn’t expect such a lead in the first half”
“I explained the players during the half time that we still didn’t win the game and put double effort to win the game”
“We dominated the game, our squad was not enough. Shamveel was injured and it was hard to make a substitution”
Meanwhile New Radiant captain reacted on his opening goal.
“I didn’t expect such an easy goal, the pitch was wet” Assad said.
“We had a very high hope when we come here for this match” He added.
On the other hand Victory assistant coach Suzeynu didn’t expect such a lead from New Radiant as well and added more to it saying he never expect such a lead in his whole life.
“I never expected to see such a lead to be taken in my whole life” He said.
“ In this level, New Radiant didn’t deserve such a lead”
“Our keeper’s performance was the turning point. That was not because of experience, but a coincidence”
