Maziya Sports and Recreation Club have secured a playoff spot after a goalless draw with Dhaka Abahani. Having drawn the away leg 2-2 Maziya came into the game booming with confidence thanks to the away goals while Dhaka Abahani coming into the game were concerned about Maziya’s attacking threats.

Maziya started the game with gaffer Marjan Sekulovskis preferred starting 11. Afghani number one shot stopper Azizi started in goal while Samooh and lily filled in the full back positions. Petar and Sharif secured their center back places while captain Irey and Aisam filled in holding midfield. Hamza Mohamed played in front of the two holding midfielders while The deadly attacking trio of Ibrahim Mahudhee Hassan, Asadullah Abdullah and Vincentian speedster Cornelius Stewart started upfront on top.

A large number of away fans showed up in their numbers to try and turn the home advantage against Maziya. Something Maziya gaffer Marjan predicted might happen if local fans did not turn up to back the Greenboys.

The sky blue brigade manager faced an uphill battle from the start of the game having already give two away goals. To add to the drama Mario Lemos side had never won in Male’. In 2017 AFC cup Dhaka Abahani were beaten 2-0 in Male’ by Maziya while in the 2018 group stage they had a day to forget against New Radiant in Male’ when Oscar Bruzon’s side inflicted a five goal hammering thanks to a wonder performance from Ali Fasir and Ali Ashfaq.

Despite Mario Lemos concerns during the pre-match press his side displayed a strong defensive game while creating a few chances. The best chance of the game for Abahani came after a brilliant exchange of passes when Sohel rana found himself with space inside the Maziya area. His power drive was turned away by Maziya goalie Azizi.

Maziya dominated the game for large parts but failed to break drown Dhaka Abahani. The best chance for the Greenboys came in the second half when a corner found Sharif at the far post but he failed to turn the ball into the back of an empty net.

Now with a playoff spot confirmed Maziya must now have to take on either Indian giants Bengaluru fc or Paro FC of Bhutan to secure berth to the AFC Cup 2020 group stages.