Still possible to make second round as leading team: Maldives national team

It is still possible to move to the second round of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup as the leading team in the group, Maldives national football team has said.

Myanmar won 3 goals to 2 against Maldives in the inauguration match of the AFC Challenge Cup on Monday. Maldives is set to play its second match of the tournament against Kyrgyzstan at 9:00 p.m. tonight at the National Football Stadium in Male’.

Speaking to Sun Online at the practice grounds on Tuesday, Maldives national team manager Ahmed Mahloof said it is important for supporters to maintain hope and that it is still possible for the team to move to the next round with the most points in the group.

“We ask supporters to show the same enthusiasm as the other day. This no time to be disappointed. We still have the opportunity to move to second round as the leading team in the ground,” Mahloof said.

Changes to the initial squad are likely, but the coach will make the final decision close to kickoff, the national team manager said. He also dispelled fears of any injuries in the squad. The team is well prepared for tonight’s match, Mahloof assured.