Coach Istvan Urbányi has stated that experienced players such as Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey) and Ali Fasir (Sentey) have brought strong spirit to the national team.
Maldives won their match against Timor-Leste yesterday in the Asian Cup qualifiers that was held at the Galolhu Stadium due to the roles played by Fasir, Ashfaq and experienced midfielder Mohamed Irfan.
Urbányi chose players for the senior team based on their age, with an average age of 32. This is the oldest squad that has been put together since 2017.
Urbányi was subject to criticism due to him forming a more aged squad. However, the first match that he had won after he was chosen as the coach of the Maldivian national squad for the third time was with an older set of players.
According to Urbányi, having more experienced players such as Ashfaq and Fasir on the pitch springs courage from the younger players, making it easier to change the result of the match.
Urbányi went on to say that the difference between younger and experienced players is the ability to act in a more level headed manner during times of pressure.
"Players such as Ashfaq and Fasir bring about a different style of play. And that is mental strength," said Urbányi.
"For example, if I ask Ashfaq to shoot a penalty, he will know exactly what to do at that point in time. However, a player who is 20 or 21 years of age get that level of trust after around 10 years of experience and playing hundreds of matches."
Urbányi highlighted that when Ashfaq was substituted onto the field during the tail end of the match, the excitement from supporters turned the tides of the game.
Maldives won in the last minute due to a penalty that was earned by Ashfaq, from a foul that was incurred by Timor-Leste's goalkeeper causing minor harm.
However, Urbányi said in a playful tone that Ashfaq was receiving treatment off the pitch because he wanted to utilize another tactic.
"I am very happy with Ashfaq's different style of play. I thought he would take the penalty. But then I thought that he was feeling nervous in wanting to take the penalty and so faked an injury. I figured that was why he did not come onto the pitch again. This is something I said as a joke," said Urbányi.
Timor-Leste initially took the lead in the match by capitalizing off of a mistake made by Irfan. He managed to neutralize that mistake by scoring a goal and making the game even.
Urbányi said that he is certain of Irfan's strong character as he had not felt disappointment in his mistake, rather him keeping his eye on the match and changing the course of the game.
Urbányi also said that he prioritizes a match that brings joy to supporters. He has requested supporters stand with their team as well.
"We are working to regain the trust of the supporters and to bring in a crowd," said coach Urbányi.
