The two teams competing in AFC cup, Maziya Sports & Recreation and Eagles Club are facing great difficulties in preparation for the AFC cup, due to the delay of resuming the league. Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League (DDPL) was halted 3rd February, due to HPA’s new set of guidelines to control the Covid-19 cases in greater Male’ are.
In April 7th Eagles Club will play their first match in AFC cup qualifying round in Maldives. Eagles Club will play against Bhutan’s champion Thimphu City.
Due to the delay of resuming league, clubs have conducted news conference and have expressed their displeasure. In the news conference Eagles Club Vise Chairman Mufaaviz Haashim (Mufa) has said that, while South Asian countries are playing international matches and continuing their league, the resumption date for Maldives football league still not set is a serious problem to consider. He mentioned that delaying the resumption of DDPL will cause difficulties for Maziya and Eagles Club to prepare for the AFC cup.
If Eagles Club win first match in AFC cup qualifying round against Thimphu City, the biggest possibility for Eagles Club is to play against Dhaka Abahani from Bangladesh and if they win against Dhaka Abahani and to qualify to the group, Eagles Club will play a playoff match against India’s Bengaluru FC.
However, the club hasn’t had much preparations due to the halt of DDPL league.
Maziya has qualified to AFC cup group stage. The other teams which have qualified to the group stage are Bashundhara Kings from Bangladesh and ATK Mohun Bagan from India. The team which wins in AFC cup qualifying round will qualify to the AFC cup group stage hosted in Maldives, this May.
