Kulhudhuffushi wins Hdh. Atoll championship in thrilling final

Kulhudhuffushi has claimed the champions title for the Haa Dhaalu (Hdh.) Atoll in the BML Atoll Championship, the first phase of the tournament aimed at providing atoll-based teams a place in the Dhivehi Premier League.

In the atoll final held this afternoon at the Kulhudhuffushi Zone Stadium, Kulhudhuffushi faced Hanimaadhoo. Kulhudhuffushi won the match with a final score of 3-1.

Kulhudhuffushi took the initial lead in the 23rd minute. Following a corner kick, Mohamed Munsif evaded two Hanimaadhoo defenders inside the penalty area and slotted the ball under the keeper, who attempted a foot save.

Second goal of Kulhudhuffushi extended their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Mohamed Shifaan struck the ball from outside the box. The Hanimaadhoo goalkeeper got a hand to the ball but failed to control it, allowing it to slip into the net.

Hanimaadhoo's sole goal came in the 64th minute from Ali Hussain (Hanimaadhoo Dhagandey). He beat a Kulhudhuffushi defender at the edge of the box and fired the ball into the corner of the net. The Kulhudhuffushi keeper dove but could not reach the shot.

Kulhudhuffushi secured the win with their third goal scored by Zaid Mohamed. The goal came after a powerful shot by Munsif, who had an excellent game, hit the post, and Zaid successfully tapped the rebound into the goal.

Following this atoll victory, both Kulhudhuffushi and Hanimaadhoo - runners-up, will advance to the next stage: the North Zone 1 Tournament.

North Zone 1 will feature the champion and runner-up teams from three atolls: Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani Atolls.

After the North Zone 1 competition, the top two teams will then qualify for the Northern Regional League. The FAM has divided the Maldives into four geographical regions, with each region, excluding the Malé area, containing two zones.