Freestyle legend Sean Garnier praises Maldives’ TNT after impressive World Finals debut

World renowned freestyle footballer Sean Garnier has praised Maldivian team TNT from GDh Vaadhoo for their performance at this year’s Red Bull Four 2 Score World Finals.

TNT faced Garnier’s team, Global Bowlers, in the top 16 and narrowly lost 2–1 after taking an early lead.

“I’ve met the Maldivian team. I want to apologise for winning the match,” Garnier said.

“They played very well. I was surprised when they took the first lead, but we managed to get to 1v1. Congratulations to them. I hope to see them again next year.”

Musannif Mohamed (Musy) scored the opening goal for TNT in Sunday’s match, which ended 1–1 in normal time. Moosa Azim Hassan (Ramos) represented TNT in the deciding 1v1, where Global Bowlers secured the win.

During the group stage, TNT drew 0-0 with Croatia in their opener, followed by a 4–2 victory in the second match as last year's champion team Netherlands was a no show. They lost 4–1 to Japan but bounced back with a 1–0 win against Oman.

The TNT squad; Musannif, Azim, Ismail Wifaq, Ibrahim Shauf Mohamed, and Ahil Ali features players from Vaadhoo, Fuvahmulah, and Vilimale'. Matches are played 4v4 without a goalkeeper.

TNT, founded in 2005, qualified for the World Finals after winning the Maldives national qualifier; their first ever tournament victory.