Blues misses chance to go to top

New Radiant missed a decent opportunity to go to the top of the table as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Club Eagles in the ongoing STO Male’ League.

Mohamed Naim gave an unlikely lead for Club Eagles midway through the second half before a late penalty from Adrian Gallardo ensured that both teams share the spoils.

After their second consecutive draw, the blues find themselves level on 26 points with Maziya at the top, but the green boys are ahead on superior goal difference, while Club Eagles are down in fourth position with 22 points, two behind Club Green Streets on third.

New Radiant came into this game without two of their key players at the back. Ahmed Abdulla missed out due to suspension while their Captain and Goal Keeper Imran Mohamed was another notable absentee as he missed out after picking an injury.

New Radiant dominated the possession in the first half but failed to pose a genuine threat to Club Eagles defence. Meanwhile, Club Eagles had a woeful opening period too as they failed to register a single shot on goal, ending goalless at the break.

First real chance of the half fell to Ali Fasir on 18 minutes but before he could fire the shot, Club Eagles defenders cleared the ball.

Then on 28th minute, Adrian Gallardo tried his luck from the distance but his shot went straight into the gloves of Club Eagles Keeper Sujan Perera.

Club Eagles captain, Imran Nasheed had the first chance of the second half in the 51st minute but his shot from inside the box was brilliantly saved by New Radiant Keeper Abdulla Ziyazan.

Mohamed Naim broke the deadlock for Eagles in the 67th minute, with a calm finish from inside the box.

Five minutes later, Fasir nearly found the equalizer through a free-kick from outside the box, though his goal bound shot was punched for a corner by Club Eagles Keeper Sujan Perera.

Yet, Gallardo would find the leveler through a spot kick in the 88th minute. The referee awarded the penalty after Fasir was brought down inside the box by a Club Eagles defender.

The closing stages produced chances for both sides, with Ahmed Rizwan forcing a decent save from Keeper Ziyazan as he delivered a dangerous free-kick onto the box. Then, at the other end, Fasir had a decent chance but his strike from inside the box went wide.

TC Sports Club will play United Victory on Friday at 1600hrs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *