The Maldives was eliminated today after a 3-0 defeat against Pakistan, failing to advance to the final of the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament.
In this tournament, which is being held in Malé to mark 75 years of Maldivian football, the Maldives lost its first match against Afghanistan with a score of 1-0. Even if the Maldives wins its final match against Bangladesh, it can obtain a maximum of three points.
Pakistan currently has four points. No matter what the outcome is of tonight's match between Bangladesh, who currently has one point, and Afghanistan, who has three points, at least one of those teams will be able to reach a minimum of four points. Therefore, there is no mathematical chance for the Maldives to advance to the final.
In this tournament, where the Maldives is competing under the re-appointed Hungarian coach István Urbányi, who previously coached the national team on two occasions, today's defeat came against Pakistan—a team over which the Maldives has always held the upper hand in recent times.
No goals were seen in the first half of this match. However, the Maldives created several opportunities. In the final seconds of this half, although Naiz Hassan (Dhaadhu) was pulled by his jersey and brought down inside the penalty area, Indian referee Ashwin Kumar did not rule it as a foul.
In the second half as well, the Maldives failed to capitalize on the numerous opportunities it received. The opportunities that fell to Aisam Ibrahim and Mohamed Ilan Imran were defended by Pakistan's goalkeeper Yousuf Ejaz Butt.
Umar Nawaz took the lead for Pakistan in the 53rd minute of the match. This goal was scored by Nawaz on a rebound after Maldivian goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal blocked a shot sent away by Mohamed Hayyan.
Following that, goalkeeper Butt defended a shot by Ahmed Aiham (Fathoo) and two shots by Ali Fasir (Sentey).
Pakistan scored its final two goals within the last 10 minutes. Both goals were successfully scored by substitutes. Abdul Samad Shahzad extended Pakistan's lead in the 84th minute from a ball delivered clear by Otis Khan, while the third goal was scored in the 87th minute. The ball sent away by Haroon Abdul Rashid entered the goal after striking Aisam's foot and changing direction.
Pakistan's remaining match in the league round will be played against Afghanistan.
