Preview: Maziya v Abahani Limited Dhaka

Maziya eyeing another win over Abahani Limited Dhaka to have any chance of progressing beyond group stage as they are currently on level with Bengaluru FC at the top of the AFC Cup Group E Point table with 9 points in the 4 games played so far. 

Maziya’s away form in this competition has been impressive so far as they have secured two away victories against Abahani Limited Dhaka and Mohun Bagan respectively.

Abahani Limited Dhaka are already out of the competition after suffering three losses in the opening four games and they currently sits at the bottom of the table with 3 points.

On the other hand, Abahani Limited Dhaka have shown promising performances, as they clinched a last gasp 2-0 victory with ten-man against Bengaluru FC two weeks ago. Abahani Limited Dhaka have not played a league game in this year as their domestic league ended in last December. So they maybe not at the same level as Maziya on that front as the Maldivian side has already played 8 games in their domestic season and had won all of them.

Maziya will play against Abahani Limited Dhaka on today at 1600hrs at Galolhu National Stadium in Male’.

Head-to-Head:

Maziya have faced Abahani Limited Dhaka once and it was in this year’s AFC Cup in the first game of Group E, in which Maziya won 2-0 at Dhaka. Asadhulla Abdulla and Mohamed Umair scored the goals for the Maldivian side.

Players to watch:

Maziya’s attack will be led by their captain and the talisman Asadhulla Abdulla who’s on top form after netting 11 goals in all competitions. Alexandar Rakic and Mohamed Umair would definitely pose a threat for Abahani Limited Dhaka’s defence.

Abahani Limited Dhaka’s forwards Emeka Onuoha and Jonathan Brown would be a handful for Maziya defenders too.

Team form and manager quotes:

Maziya have been impressive in their domestic league as they are yet to lose a game having won 7 games in the first round of Male’ League and they currently sits at the top of the League table with 21 points, a lead of six points over the second placed New Radiant.

Maziya – Last 5 in all competitions – WWWWW

Results:

Maziya 3-0 TC Sports Club

Maziya 3-0 Valencia

Maziya 5-2 Mohun Bagan

Maziya 1-0 United Victory

Maziya 1-0 Victory

Maziya head coach Marjan Sekulovski was very confident about his player’s getting the job done. And he said, “We don’t have any technical or tactical problems, the only problem is the fixtures, but my boys will be ready”.

“I believe in my players and I am fully confident that they will come on the pitch fully prepared to win match”.

In their only game of the domestic season, Abahani Limited Dhaka were held to a 1-1 draw by Saif Sporting Club on three days ago in the recently started Federation Cup.

Abahani Limited Dhaka – Last 5 in all competitions – DWLLL

Results:

Saif Sporting Club 1-1 Abahani

Abahani 2-0 Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC 2-0 Abahani

Mohun Bagan 3-1 Abahani

Abahani 0-2 Maziya

Abahani Limited Dhaka’s head coach is not a new face for Maldivian Football, Drago Mamić; a Serbian-born Croatian, who guided Maldives National Team to the third place of AFC Challenge Cup in 2014.

Mamić spoke about his team on yesterday, ahead of today’s game against Maziya, he said “We have some issues of injuries, but let’s see how it goes. Let’s see it tomorrow”.

“I think Maziya is happy with our win against Bengaluru otherwise they will also be out of the race like us”.

Team News:

Maziya have no injury concern and suspension but they have been boosted by the return of their key defender Milos Kovacevic after serving his one-match suspension for his dismissal in their 3rd game (against Mohun Bagan at India).

Abahani Limited Dhaka will be without their defender Nasiruddin Chowdhary, who is suspended after his late dismissal against Bengaluru FC.

Maziya’s probable Lineup:

Pavel; Qasim, Cordos, Amdaan, Kovacevic; Assad, Irufan, Rakic, Umair, Yasfaadh; Asadhulla.

Abahani’s probable Lineup:

Shahidul Alam (c); Waly Faisal, Samad Yussif, Rayhan Hasan, Yeasin Khan, Tutul Hosan Badsha; Emon Mahmud, Sohel Rana; Jonathan Brown, Emeka Onuoha, Rubel Miyal.

 

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