National team improving, says captain Samooh

Maldives captain Samooh Ali (Samuttey), has said that the national team is improving and gaining confidence with each game.

Speaking at the pre match press conference ahead of today’s Asian Cup qualifier against Tajikistan in Male', Samooh said the team had shown progress despite losing their previous match with the same opponents.

“We played at a good level because the players were confident,” he said.

Earlier, the national team coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) said that the squad had gone into the international break after each club had played three league matches, adding that the beginning of domestic season would help raise the national team’s standard even further. Maziya and Eagles have each played four matches, including the season opener, he said.

Samooh, who also captains Maziya, said he was optimistic about the team’s direction.

“The [national] squad is getting better day by day. Hopefully we will start seeing positive results,” he said, responding to a question about the Maldives’ recent home performances against strong teams.

Maldives previously held Tajikistan to a draw at Galolhu Stadium during the 2011 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, topping the group on goal difference.

Samooh said fan support had been crucial then and would be again.

“If the fans are behind us, it will be a great motivation to deliver a good result,” he said.

Today’s match kicks off at 3:30 pm.