Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Male: Ahmed Niyaz and Ali Fasir scored in the first half of the extra-time as domestic champions New Radiant became the first Maldivian side to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup in eight years after edging out Malaysia’s Selangor 2-0 on Wednesday.
After 90 minutes failed to separate the two sides at the National Stadium, Ahmed Niyaz finally found a breakthrough for Group F winners New Radiant midway through the first period of extra-time.
And Ahmed Niyaz then turned provider for Fasir to double the home side’s advantage with virtually the last kick of the first period of extra-time to ensure New Radiant advanced to the last eight for the second time in their AFC Cup in their history having lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions Al Faisaly from Jordan in 2005.
“I have the best players in the world. I have no words to thank my players, the supporters and the management,” said New Radiant coach Velizar Popov.
“Maybe we started with too much respect for them. Selangor is a good team, but they are not Barcelona or Real Madrid.
“Our supporters were the most important advantage for us.”
With clear cut chances at a premium throughout the 90 minutes, Group H runners-up Selangor came closest to finding a breakthrough as midfielder Mohd Raimi Mohd Nor hit the post for the visitors after 20 minutes.
New Radiant, though, also had their chances as Hussain Niyaz wasted a glorious chance midway through the first half as the midfielder poked his effort from the edge of the six-yard area wide of the upright with the goal at his mercy.
And home side were the better side in the second half with substitute Umair Mohamed and Ali Ashfaq posing a constant threat, but New Radiant failed to find a way past Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Bin Razali.
But seven minutes into the first period of added time, New Radiant finally found the breakthrough as Ahmed Niyaz headed home despite appeals for offside from the Selangor defence.
And on the stroke of half-time of the first extra period, Ahmed Niyaz turned provider as the midfielder crossed for Fasir to tap the ball into the unguarded net at the far post to double New Radiant’s lead.
“We only played for 90 minutes,” said Selangor coach Irfan Bakti. “After that we couldn’t concentrate enough.”