It was disappointment upon disappointment last night (NZ time). First, weeks of anticipation was dashed as I could not hear or see our team taking on Turkmenistan in the AFC Challenge Cup. I could hear Voice of Maldives online and there was no live streaming on TVM. More disappointment followed either side of half time as Turkmenistan scores, first from a defensive lapse and then through a penalty. Oppo provided some relief and hope with his well taken penalty, after Ashfaag’s sublime run. But it was dashed shortly by Tom’s reckless challenge inside the Maldives penalty area. A player of his calibre should know better.
The loss to Turkmenistan almost closes the door on qualification. We now have to win the remaining two games and wait for other results to go our way. There is still some hope even if we do not win the group, because the best second placed team from qualification also goes through. Right now Pakistan leads this pack with 5 points and +6 goals. Maldives need to win the next 2 and score a couple of goals to make this a reality. We have the potential, all we need is application. It is true that as in previous tournaments’ our preparations haven’t been the best, but this is not the time to point fingers. It’s time to play ball. Whatever corner of the world we live, we are with the team, and the whole Maldives is behind the team.
While we are at it, let’s take this opportunity to step away from political cannibalism, and show some solidarity. I would like to see Anni, Maumoon, Hassan, Gasim and Yamin sitting together cheering our team on Thursday.
