Maldives loses to Palestine in home game

Maldives lost to Palestine on Tuesday night, in the group stage of the AFC Asian Qualifying Games.

The away team took the match 3-0, after coming out strong in the second half.

The first half of the match held at the National Stadium in the capital Malé City was uneventful, as neither teams failed to take a lead. Both teams opted to play more of a defensive game in the first half.

At the 22nd minute of the game, Maldives’ team Ali “Sentey” Fasir’s attempt was blocked by Palestine’s goal keeper Rami Hamadi. Maldives keeper Moahmed Faisal played an impressive game in the half, blocking Palestine’s attempts to score.

The Palestine team came out strong in the second half, with changes to its squad.

Palestine’s Ahmed Maher Wridat, who came out as a substitute in the second half, scored the first goal of the match at the 62^nd minute. He helped the team increase the lead with a second goal, just two minutes later.

Another substitute player, Abu Nahyeh scored Palestine’s third goal at the 92^nd minute.

Palestine is ranked 134 in the FIFA World Ranking, while Maldives ranks at 140.

Maldives next match in the group stage of the AFC Qualifiers is scheduled for June 13, against Bhutan.

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