Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Male: The Maldives may have missed out on the chance to contest the AFC Challenge Cup trophy on home soil following Tuesday's agonising 3-2 extra-time defeat to the Philippines but the passion of their fans and players will be a large factor in ensuring that the final edition tournament will rank amongst the best in the competition's history.
The National Stadium in Male has been a sea of red as fans from all over the islands swept into the Maldivian capital for the hosts' three group stage matches and the semi-final against the Philippines.
Inspired by the crowd, as well as the prospect of a place in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup finals, the Maldives put in an impressive display throughout their campaign.
The Maldives bounced back from a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Myanmar in a hard-fought Group A opener in fine style as a double from the impressive Ali Ashfaq saw them defeat Kyrgyzstan 2-0. A goalless draw against eventual finalists Palestine their final group match sent them into the semis, which they lost out in extra-time to a Chris Greatwich goal after a hugely entertaining five-goal thriller.
"The Philippines thoroughly deserved their victory but it is always a little bit unfortunate that the hosts don't make it to the final of a tournament," said AFC Deputy General Secretary Dato' Windsor John.
"I hope that the Maldives fans who have created such a vibrant atmosphere throughout the tournament come out for the hosts' third-place playoff with Afghanistan on Thursday and also take the opportunity to witness history as the Philippines and Palestine meet in the last AFC Challenge Cup final."
While the means of getting from point A to point B in the idyllic Indian Ocean island republic has been second nature for the hosts it has been something of a unique experience for many of the participating teams.
"The AFC encourages all Member Associations to host AFC tournaments or centralised qualifiers and while each nation will present its own particular challenges when it comes to organisation and logistics," continued Dato' Windsor.
"This should not be necessarily be seen as a negative and more a reflection of the great diversity of environments and culture that makes Asia such a fascinating place.
"The Football Association of the Maldives has been the consummate hosts and will undoubtedly continue to be right up to the last members of the AFC Challenge Cup party leave the islands after what promises to be a thrilling climax to the tournament."
The curtain comes down on the AFC Challenge Cup on Friday when the Philippines and Palestine meet in the last ever final, with a place in the Asian football history books and a ticket to the AFC Asian Cup 2015 finals at stake.