Victory stun New Radiant 3-1 in Dhivehi Premier League

Victory Sports Club secured an impressive 3–1 win over New Radiant in the Dhivehi Premier League on Saturday, avenging their heavy first-round defeat during the “Rasvaadha” match.

The first-round meeting between the two sides marked the debut of Gergely Geri as Victory’s head coach, a match which ended in a 4–0 defeat for Victory. However, the second-round encounter told a very different story, as Victory produced a composed and clinical performance to shock New Radiant.

New Radiant took an early lead in the third minute, when Guillaume de Silva found the net after a pass from Ali Fasir (Sentey). Eight minutes later, Hassan Raaif Ahmed (Hanna) came close to doubling the lead, but his header from a cross drifted wide of the post.

Victory drew level in the 29th minute, with Ahmed Rizwan (Rizey) delivering a decisive cross that led to the equaliser. The match marked Rizwan’s first appearance for Victory on loan, having initially been expected to join New Radiant before making a late switch to Victory.

Victory took control in the second half, going ahead in the 57th minute when Lachni headed home from a cross by Ali Shamis (Thoppey). Defensive lapses allowed Lachni time and space, and New Radiant struggled to contain Victory’s aerial threat.

In the final 20 minutes, Victory coach Ali Sizain made a tactical change, replacing defender Ahnaf Rasheed with midfielder Mohamed Fasir (Faattey). Fasir had three clear scoring opportunities before Victory sealed the match.

Victory’s third goal came in the 86th minute from a corner. Lachni’s initial header beat goalkeeper Mohamad Faisal, and although the rebound went wide, defender Javohir Azamov reacted quickest to head the ball into the net.

New Radiant nearly pulled one back in the final minute of normal time when Sentey crossed the ball and Fasir’s effort struck the post.

The defeat marked only the second time New Radiant’s veteran coach has lost to Victory in his coaching career. His first loss came in 2018, when Victory beat Green Streets 2–1 in the Malé League.

With the win, Victory have now collected six points from two matches in the second round, following their earlier victory over Club Eagles. Victory sit on 16 points from 11 matches, while New Radiant remain on 20 points from 11 games.

The final match of the week will be played this evening, with Buru Sports facing Club Eagles. A win would see Buru draw level on points in third place, while Club Eagles currently sit on 13 points.