Tajikistan beats Maldives 3-0

Tajikistan secured a 3-0 victory against the Maldives today in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match played in Malé.

This result follows the first leg match played last Thursday in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, which the home team also won with a 2-0 score line.

This match was the Maldivian national team's first home game in two years, with their previous match on home turf having been played on October 13, 2023.

Tajikistan took the lead early in the match, which was attended by over 3,000 Maldivian supporters, as the home team struggled to settle into the game.

The first two goals scored by Tajikistan were a result of defensive errors by the Maldives.

In the 4th minute, Tajikistan's Manuchekhr Safarov (Manu) scored by reacting quicker than the Maldivian defenders to a penalty saved by the Maldivian goalkeeper, Mohamed Faisal, and shooting the rebound into the goal 

The penalty, awarded after the ball struck Mohamed Irufan’s hand inside the area, was initially missed by Parvizdzhon Umarbayev, whose shot was saved by keeper Faisal. However, Manu rushed into the area and put the rebound away before any Maldivian player could clear it.

The Maldivian team managed to create some chances in the first half. The best opportunity fell to midfielder Ahmed Aiham, who advanced on a counter-attack while being challenged by four Tajikistan defenders. Although he managed to shoot without giving the defenders a chance to block, the ball missed the goal.

Earlier, Ibrahim Mahudhy Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) also had an opportunity, but he too failed to direct his shot on target.

Another chance saw a cross by Hassan Raif Ahmed (Hanna) into the box deflected by the tall Tajikistan goalkeeper, Oleg Baklov. The rebound fell to Naaiz Hassan (Dhadu), but he could not send the ball cleanly into the goal.

Tajikistan's second goal, scored by Shervoni Mabatshoyev, came while Maldivian defenders were close to him. Despite the proximity of the defenders, they were unable to stop his strike, and he easily shot the ball into the goal.

In the second half, Maldivian midfielder Aiham got another good opportunity. From a ball played by Feydhoo Ibbe from midfield, Aiham pushed forward, settled the ball, and shot, but it sailed high over the crossbar.

Tajikistan's third goal was also scored by Shervoni Mabatshoyev on a counter-attack, capitalizing on a moment when the Maldivian players were pushed forward. He advanced with the ball, maneuvering past Irfan near the penalty area. Irfan even attempted a tackle, but Mabatshoyev evaded it and found the back of the net.

In the 79th minute, Maldivian coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) completely changed the forward line, bringing on experienced players Ali Fasir (Sente), Ahmed Rizuvan (Rizey), and 16-year-old Ilaan Imran. Tajik goalkeeper Baklov had a challenging save only twice, both originating from attacks involving Sente.

Sente's first attempt was from a free-kick taken outside the area, near the corner, which he aimed for the top corner of the goal. Keeper Baklov managed to block the ball out for a corner.

Following that, a cross by Sente was headed by a Maldivian player, forcing Baklov into another difficult save, once again pushing the ball out for a corner.

With this win, Tajikistan has secured 10 points in the group. The other teams in this group are the Philippines and Timor-Leste. The Maldives remains the only team among the four yet to secure a point.

Maldives' next match is scheduled for the 18th of next month, where they will face the Philippines in Malé.