Victory’s long-awaited comeback ends in defeat against Buru

After six years, Victory Sports Club returned to play in Dhivehi Premier League only to suffer a heavy 0–5 defeat at the hands of Buru Sports.

Back in 2019, FAM’s previous leadership suspended Victory due to issues regarding unpaid wages to players. This suspension occurred in the middle of the Dhivehi League, resulting in the club’s relegation to the second division.

However, after reaching the finals of the second division and earning promotion to the Premier League, the team had changed.

The club does not have the same structure or arrangements it had during its time in the second division. Following FAM's announcement in April to begin new football season, the team began training under coach Mohamed Athif (Athi). But when FIFA postponed the league, Victory halted their practices. By the time the league resumed, the team’s situation had changed significantly.

There are rumors that political figures from the government may take over the management of Victory, as the club is currently preparing for an election.

Victory had also signed Sri Lankan goalkeeper Kaveesh, hoping to start the season in April. However, no foreign players were present during their first league match.

In that match, the team's goalkeeper was Mohamed Yameen, who served as the third keeper of the National football team. Buru Sports’ player Abdulla Junaid scored the opening goal in the 8th minute, striking from the center of the goal zone. The pass Junaid received was delivered with speed and precision, low and near the goalpost, leaving goalkeeper Yameen with no chance to make a save.

The second goal came in the 25th minute, scored by Hudson Diaz.

Buru Sports were also awarded a penalty in the first half, but it was not converted into a goal.

Victory showed moments of good play in the second half but failed to maintain the tempo.

Of the remaining three goals scored by Buru Sports, two came during extra time. Hudson Diaz netted the third goal in the 74th minute, while Mohamed Naaim and young forward Azhad Mohamed Zahid added the fourth and fifth goals during extra time.