In this year’s Milo Inter School Football Tournament 2018, in under 18, Imaduddin School has been crowned as the new champions of the age group.

Imaduddin School lifted the under 16 trophy after defeating Iskandharu School by 1-2 in the final match of age group today evening.

A look into both finalists:

Iskandharu School entered the final as the first team after winning the semifinal against Ahmadhiyya School on penalties by 3-4 after a 1-1 regular time draw. In Iskandharu School team, there are five under 16 national team players. One of the team with most junior national team players. It includes, forward Ibrahim Imran (Immi, J.No#10), midfielder Ismail Yooh (J.No#11), midfielder Yaish Musthafa (J.No#20), defender Mohamed Rifag (J.No#14), defender Ekal Mohamed Eakal (J.No#5). These five players took part in 2017 U-16 AFC and SAFF. One of the under 16 captain, Ibrahim Imran is in Iskandharu.

Imaduddin School orange army marched into the final fight of the tournament after winning the semifinal against K.Guraidhoo School by comfortable 3-0 score. Same as Iskandharu school, in Imaduddin School under 16 side also there are five under 16 national team players. It includes, forward Ahmed Raisham Hussain (Rai, J.No#14), midfielder Ahmed Samah (J.No#7), forward Ilhan Ismail  (J.No#10), defender Ibrahim Anoof (J.No#5), defender Yousuf Sidham (Sikko, J.No#13). These five players took part in 2017 U-16 AFC and SAFF. Just like Iskandharu School under 16 team, one of the under 16 captain, Ahmed Samaah is in Imaduddin.

Few extra things to look into:

These both finalists are among the favorites to win the under 16 title this year. Both side has been two strongest contenders this year. And also these two sides are the teams with most under 16 national team players.

With getting into the age group final, Iskandharu School makes is two straight age group finals in two years in a row. Not only in under 16, in under 14 also Iskandharu has played in both age group finals in the last two years, 2017,2018. Iskandharu has being displayed as a average defense and better at the attack line. Up to final of the tournament, Iskandharu reds scored 8 goals and conceded 2 goals.

On the other this final means, Imaduddin School in an age group final for the first time since 2015. In 2015 they entered the final as the defending champions of age group after winning the under 16 title in 2014. In 2015 Imaduddin got defeated by the hand of Muhyiddin School by 2-1. Imaduddin has being shown as an average team on every department. Defense looks better and stable than Iskandharu as well as attack line also satisfactory. The only department Imaduddin lacks is in the midfield. If look at the midfield in a technical aspect, Iskandharu wins by few plus points. Meantime if look it in work rate, Imaduddin wins it by few plus points. During the road to this final, up to final, orange army has kept an amazing 100% clean sheet record. The only team to do so. And scored massive number of goals, as 31 in total without conceding a single goal.

In to the game:

When the both sides stepped into the kick-off, both teams were backed by huge crowed of both school, students, teachers and parents. Both sides supporters area has being decorated on red and orange flags and balloons. And the school band was making the beats with their instruments.

During the first half the match, regarding to the performances displayed by both side in the first 15 minutes of the opening half, it was not much good for either. It was as an average play from both side. Both side was not able to keep up with ball possession for more than few seconds. And with this average game, either side was not able to create a chance or do a buildup. But Imaduddin and Iskandharu also tried to danger the opponent goal. J.No#10, Ibrahim Imran (Immi) tried few shots outside the Imaduddin box but it was not a threat at all as all the shots Imran fired went wide out from the cross bar. On the other side, Imaduddin tried to enter Iskandharu box. Have to say sometimes Imaduddin got successful to enter the red’s box but the red defenders neutralize well the attacks of orange army well.

Imaduddin Scored the opening of the match just before the half time. At the 37^th minute a well-placed cross by Captain Ahmed Samaah from a corner found J.No#11, Shawin, who was standing in the center of the Iskandharu penalty box. Shawin freely head the ball into the far post of the goal as he was totally left alone. With this late goal in the first half, game went to half time Imaduddin leadin by 0-1.

Getting into the second half, Iskandharu replied to well. It took just a minute for Iskandharu to equalize and get back into the game. At the 38^th minute a penalty was awarded to Iskandharu as Imaduddin defender fouled Iskandharu team Yooh Ismail when he tried to get pass him. Yooh stepped to take the penalty and he confidently placed it well in to the back of the orange army goal making it 1-1 in the score.

Iskandharu School score the second of the evening at the 57^th minute. Imaduddin won a free kick of Iskandharu within the center of the pitch, soon the ball was passed to the player on the right, Ilhan Ismail, who played a beautiful pass behind red defense line while Ahmed Raisham was eagerly making a move into the box. With just one fine-one touch, Raisham tapped the play into the Iskandharu goal leaving red’s goal keeper lying there on the ground action less. Once again Imaduddin took the lead, 1-2.

As the game reached it last 10 minutes, both sides was not fortunate enough to find another chance to bring a change into the score line. And the game ended on Imaduddin favor, Imaduddin winning the under 16 age group final match by 1-2.

In the awarding ceremony, trophies and medals were handover to all the achievers by FAM vice president Ms.Mariyam Nazima and marketing executive of MILO, Mr.Dhishan.

Top scorer of the under 16 age category is J.No#13 of Ahmadhiyya, Aalim Abdul Latheef. Fair play team of the under 16 age category was K.Guraidhoo School. And for the best 11 players also were awarded with plaque.

BEST 11 players of senior age category:

• Ahmed Samaah (Imaduddin)
• Ahmed Raisham (Imaduddin)
• Yousuf Sidham (Imaduddin)
• Aalim Abdul Latheef (Ahmadhiyya)
• Ibrahim Imran (Iskandharu)
• Mohamed Eakal (Iskandharu)
• Shaawin (Imaduddin)
• Halaf (Iskandharu)
• Goal keeper (Iskandharu)
• Guraidhoo School J.No#15
• Guraidhoo School J.No#5

Photo by FAM.