Fasir scores on first-division return after 16 years as New Radiant beat Valencia

Eydhafushi Mohamed Fasir (Faattey), marked his return to the first division after 16 years by scoring for New Radiant in a 3–1 victory over Valencia in the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League on Friday.

Fasir, who last played in the first division with All Youth Linkage (AYL), joined New Radiant during the mid-season transfer window. He had signed for Eagles in 2012 but missed the campaign through injury.

Coming on as a second-half substitute, Fasir made an immediate impact, scoring New Radiant’s second goal early in the half under the captaincy of his younger brother, Ali Fasir (Sentey).

The goal came after Hassan Raaif Ahmed (Hanna) struck from outside the area. A Valencia defender blocked the shot, but Fasir reacted quickly to the rebound, converting it into a goal while wearing New Radiant’s blue and white colours.

New Radiant had taken the lead earlier through Guilherme Silva, who capitalized on a loose clearance to score from outside the area.

Valencia pulled one back through Aaid Mohamed Jaweez, the young striker returning from injury, after converting a cross delivered by captain Ethan Ibrahim Zaki in the 57th minute.

However, Raaif sealed the win with New Radiant’s third goal, weaving through Valencia’s defence before sliding the ball past the goalkeeper.

The result leaves New Radiant third in the table with 20 points from 10 matches, 10 points behind leaders Maziya. Second-placed Odi Sports have 25 points.