AFC Cup Playoffs: Maziya qualifies for group stage after defeating IPL giants Bengaluru FC
Both teams had drawn 2 – 2 by the end of the match
The match was held on Wednesday evening
Maziya Sports and Recreation Club has qualified for the Group Stage of the ongoing AFC Cup, after beating Indian Super Cup League Champions, Bengaluru FC in the second leg of the playoffs held on Wednesday.
Both teams had drawn 2 – 2 by the end of the match held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. However, Maziya scored the tie-breaker during penalties.
This comes at a time the Maldivian team had beaten Bengaluru FC 2–1 during the first leg, held in Maldives and this is the first time the team has beat the Indian team at the stadium.
The Indian team had stepped up its game into the beginning of the second half, having taken the lead 58 minutes in. However, Maziya rose from behind and tied with the Indian team at the 73rd minute.
Just a few minutes later, Bengaluru FC scored its second goal at the 78th minute.
The intense game came to an end with both teams in a tie, as such, 13 minutes were added which resulted in both teams tying again at 4–4.
However, after an intense round of penalties, Maziya secured its win, 3–2.
This is the first time two Maldivians teams will be playing in the AFC Cup Group Stages since 2016. This is also the first time two Maldivian teams are competing in one group.
After Maziya’s narrow win in the first leg, Coach Marjan Sekulovski had stressed that Bengaluru FC is one of the strongest teams in the region and as such, it might be challenging to beat the team during the away game. However, Maziya has been preparing for the AFC tournament, with a strong squad.
Bengaluru and Maziya went head-to-head in the AFC Cup tournaments of 2015 and 2017 as well. During both matches in 2017, Maziya lost 1 – 0.
Maziya will be in Group E along with TC Sports Club, India’s Chennaiyin FC and Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings.
