The Maldivian National Football team secured a slot in the third round of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers by defeating Guam by 3-1 on home turf.
The win secured Maldives six points and the fourth rank in Group A, which includes Philippines, China, Guam and Syria.
Syria currently leads Group A with 12 points while China, which has seven points, is in second place. While Philippines is ranked third, the country's team has the opportunity to increase their seven points following their confrontation with Syria.
While Maldives prevailed against Guam in matches played on home soil as well as outside the country, the national team lost previous qualifying matches against China, Syria and Philipinnes. Further matches against China, Philipinnes and Syria are scheduled for 2020.
During the 23rd minute, Samooh Ali (Samutte) scored the first goal of the match, gaining the lead for Maldives. The team received another point after Guam scored an own goal in the 37th minute.
John Matkin scored Guam's first and only goal in the second half during the 49th minute.
Maldives went on to cement its victory during the additional time with its third goal, scored by Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey). The goal was the first one scored by the reputed footballer on home turf following a two-year hiatus.
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