Maldives beat Guam 3-1 in the joint World Cup- Asian Cup qualifying game played in Male's this evening.

Maldives had made several changes to the side that lost to Philippines, playing an 4-4-2 formation with Ali Ashfaq(Dhagandey) and Hassan Naiz(Dhaadhu) up front. Maldives midfield was mostly outrun in numbers by Guam. Ali Samooh(Samuttey) gave Maldives the lead mid way through the first half. Injured Samuttey was replaced by Haisham(Bidi) few minutes later. Bidi made up for last game's mistake when his cross was deflected into the goal by Travis Nicklaw to make it 2-0 for Maldives. Dhagandey then took on the Guam defense on his own, after a quick one two with Dhaadhu, Dhagandey missed an open chance in the dying minutes of the first half.

Guam came back stronger in the second half, exploiting the lack of numbers in Maldives mid-field. Guam scored when John Matkin headed the ball into the far post leaving goalkeeper Faisal helpless. Faisal was the hero late on in the second half making a double save to retain Maldives slim lead. Guam grew stronger as Dhagandey made up for his earlier miss in the stoppage time charging at the goalkeeper just outside the box, Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye's kicked the ball against Dhagandey which went back into the net to make it 3-1. That is Dhagandey! the 34 year old giving is all and making the difference in the last minute of the game.

The win give Maldives six points, both wins against Guam. Maldives are still fourth in the table with six points. One point less than China and Philippines, who have played a game less. Guam are rooted to the bottom of the table with no points. Maldives next game is away game against China on the 26th of March 2020 before playing before playing Syria in Male' on the 31st March.

Photo: ImagesMV