Maldives has lost the opening match of  SAFF U-18 Championship 2017 by 0-1 to championship host, Bhutan. A single goal in the second half was enough to win the match and record 3 points for the host Bhutan in their first outing of the tournament.

It was a match, where both the teams played an average game, and none of the teams really manage to create much goal scoring chances or pressure the opponents goal.

Maldives starting line up was, Ahmed Samaah as the goal keeper. Ali Shamaal, Azzam Abdulla, Hussain Faishal, Ishag Rasheed as the back four. Hussain Mohamed Zihan, Nisham Mohamed Rasheed and Abdulla Faisal as the mid field trio. And Shinan Ibrahim , Mohamed Jailam, Ahmed Tholal as the top three players. Coach Ihsan (Saanthi) used two of his three substitutes during the match bringing Ibrahim Dhavus, Ismail Rishwan in the second half.

Maldives under 19 juniors showed some promise by playing a good passing game while Bhutan looked more confident and comfortable given the home advantage. Bhutan was backed by home fans.

First half of the match ended with a goal less draw. Maldives goal was not must under pressure during the first half. But there was a one moment when a Bhutan mid field player tried to score a long range from the half way line as Maldives goalie, Ahmed Samaah was in a forward  position away from the goal line. But luckily to the Maldives, the ball hit the cross bar and did not go in.

During the second half, at the 52nd minute, Bhutan took the lead. Orgyen Wangchul scored from inside the box taking an advantage from a ball, which Maldives defense line failed to clear.

Maldives team showed good passing game when they were in the possession of the ball. There were moments when Maldives lost their possession due to numbers of miss passes when even they were not under imminent pressure from the opponent. Maldives also suffered from unorganized defense for a number of times and almost lacked the precision at the final pass in the attacking zone.

This year’s championship, unlike previous times, is being played in a mini league format due to some of the teams withdrawing from the tournament at the last minute. Maldives will face Bangladesh in their next match. Bangladesh made a great come back during today’s championship opening match. India was leading the match by 3-0 until interval. However Bangladesh managed to turn the game to their side scoring four goals coming from behind.

Next match for Maldives will be against Bangladesh, on 20th September, 1800 hrs local time.

All the matches of the championship will be live streamed.

(Photos: Goalnepal.com)