Maldives made a good start in men's football of the 11th South Asian Games beating lowly Bhutan by 1-0 goal in their opening match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here Saturday, reports UNB.
In the day's match, striker Ashfaq Ali scored the all-important goal for the winners in the 83rd minute with a left footer from inside the danger zone after dodging past a defender off a close pass from Naseer.
Earlier, Maldives came close to scoring in the very 7th minute but an angular shot by onrushing Ashfaq from vantage position returned to play after hitting the cross bar.
Maldives were deprived from another certain goal in the 12th minute as striker Naseer Khan's close range shot from the danger zone off Ashfaq pass was gripped by Bhutan custodian Gurung.
Maldives played comparatively better football and notched their deserving victory while Bhutan was totally off-color in the match.
Teams:
Maldives - Faisal, Umair, Abdullah, Ashfaq, Thasneem, Nashid, Gasim, Akram, Shafiu, Hassan and Naseer.
Bhutan - Gurung, Chimi, Dawa, Karun, Dorji, Sangay, Rinchen, Kinley, Dendup, Pema and Passang.
Maldives beat Bhutan in opener of SA Games men's football
FE Team | Published: January 31, 2010 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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