Fuvahmulah emerged victorious against Kudahuvadhoo with a 3-1 win in the opening match of the Ninety Plus Gold Cup, which kicked off last night.
The game took a dramatic turn in the final 10 minutes as two Kudahuvadhoo players received red cards, giving Fuvahmulah a decisive advantage.
The Ninety Plus Gold Cup, a nationwide football tournament for teams from islands and cities across the Maldives, aims to revive enthusiasm for the sport. Both teams showcased experienced first-division players, adding intensity to the match.
Kudahuvadhoo’s lineup included former TC captain Ahmed Rilwan (Ben) and ex-Green Streets player Mohamed Saaif. Meanwhile, Fuvahmulah, coached by former national defender Sobah Mohamed Ibrahim (Soba), featured talents like Moosa Azim Hassan of United Victory and Eagles, Mohamed Saad (Nizar) of TC, and Ghanaian striker Kofi Owusu, previously with New Radiant in the second division.
Kofi Owusu opened the scoring with the first goal of the match, but Kudahuvadhoo’s Ahmed Muaad equalized midway through the first half.
In the 78th minute, Kudahuvadhoo faced setbacks when Rilwan was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on the goalkeeper. Moments later, Saaif also saw red, leaving Kudahuvadhoo with just nine players.
Fuvahmulah capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ali Shamaal Abdulla scoring in the 89th minute to give them the lead. In extra time, Moosa Azim sealed the victory with a third goal.
The tournament continues tonight with Gaafu Dhaalu Fares-Maathodaa taking on Dhaalu Atoll Meedhoo.
