Odi Sports holds New Radiant to a draw in women's league opener

Odi Sports successfully prevented New Radiant from securing a victory, holding them to a draw in the second match of the FAM Women's League.

The match, played yesterday afternoon at the Henveiru Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw.

New Radiant is the former champion of the women's 11-a-side football tournament organized by FAM 10 years ago. After that 2015 tournament, which featured four teams, FAM has not held an 11-a-side women's football tournament in the last two years. New Radiant won that championship by defeating Dhivehi Sifainge Club (DSC) in the final. A major contributor to that success was their then-captain, Fadhuwa Zahir.

Fadhuwa, considered one of the best female footballers produced in the Maldives, is once again leading the New Radiant team as captain. Under her leadership, New Radiant took the lead within the first five minutes of the match.

The goal for New Radiant was scored in the third minute by Fathimath Faiha Ali Hassan. Thai forward Rutabalin Inthabamrung (Rutha) played a crucial role in the goal.

Rutha skillfully bypassed two Odi defenders before crossing the ball into the penalty area, which Faiha easily converted into the net.

However, New Radiant could not hold onto their lead. Odi equalized in the 77th minute through Fathimath Theeba.

Fathimath Inaasha Adam passed the ball to Theeba near the side of the penalty area, just outside the box. After controlling the ball, Theeba shot it towards the goal. Although New Radiant's Indonesian goalkeeper Prihartini got both hands on the ball, it slipped from her grasp and rolled into the goal.

The six-team league will continue tomorrow with a match between Maziya and Bis Buru.