Need more friendly matches to improve current state: Shiyaz

Maldives national football team coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) has said that the state of the team will see improvement with more friendly match opportunities.

After the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers game against Philippines yesterday, Shiyaz said that mistakes from official matches can only be minimized by playing more friendly games.

As per his words, the reason matches are not being arranged might be due to the state of Maldivian football. However, he said that changes to the team can only be brought by frequently playing friendly games.

"Playing friendly matches is very important. It is something we should do as well. Even if everything else may not fall into place even with our current state," said Shiyaz.

He said that the players worked to create chances during yesterday's game as well. He also highlighted that his players were working to properly play the match. He said that nevertheless, the inability to capitalize on the chances that were created was due to infrequent matches and a lack thereof.

"In all honesty, these types of situations occur due to us not being able to play many matches at a high frequency. They are few and far between," said Shiyaz.

Shiyaz gave two players the opportunity to play for the first time in yesterday's match. The players are defender Gasim Thoif and forward Ethan Ibrahim Zaki. The coach said that he saw the players work hard and well with the opportunity they were given.

He did say however, that giving a completely new player their first chance to play an official match wearing the national jersey did make him hesitate.

"There may be difficulties at times in having newer players wear the national jersey and play an official match, when its a cup match. The players will also experience a lot of pressure. Whether they can handle the pressure or not are questions that tend to crop up," said Shiyaz.

"Even so, making mistakes during a friendly match is okay. The result is not what is most important in those matches. We will be able to put new players onto the field during those games."

Shiyaz said that friendly games will give them the opportunity to put new and experienced players on the national squad.