New Radiant Begin Cup Winners Cup Return with Emphatic 5-0 Victory Over Buru

The Cup Winners Cup made a successful return after an 18-year absence, with New Radiant Sports Club opening the revived competition in dominant fashion by defeating Buru Sports Club 5-0 at the Galolhu National Stadium on Monday afternoon.

New Radiant made the perfect start, taking the lead just 20 seconds after kick-off. Brazilian striker Dorielton Gomes Nascimento (Dori) capitalised on a loose ball after Buru goalkeeper Shaihaan Ali failed to gather a cross, heading into the empty net for the fastest goal of the tournament.

Buru believed they had drawn level in the 33rd minute when Areen Abdulla Ibrahim finished from close range following a free-kick, but the assistant referee flagged for offside, allowing New Radiant to take a narrow 1-0 advantage into half-time.

The second half was completely dominated by New Radiant as they scored four more times to secure a comprehensive victory.

Dori doubled the lead in the 60th minute, heading home from a pinpoint cross by Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Luis Gomes da Silva. Just four minutes later, the Brazilian forward completed his hat-trick with a fine individual effort, driving into the penalty area before calmly placing the ball into the far corner.

Substitute Ali Faasir (Sentey) added the fourth goal after reacting quickest to convert the rebound from his own saved effort.

The scoring was completed by Abdulai Bility, who kept his composure to slot home New Radiant’s fifth goal after being played through on goal.

Dori has now scored five goals in his first two appearances for New Radiant since joining the club ahead of the new season, underlining his impressive start with the record Maldivian champions.

The Cup Winners Cup, one of the Maldives’ most historic domestic football competitions, was first introduced in 1995. After 11 editions, the tournament was discontinued following the 2008 season. Fittingly, New Radiant were also the last winners of the competition before its suspension, lifting the trophy in 2008.

This year’s edition features four teams: New Radiant Sports Club, Buru Sports Club, Maziya Sports & Recreation, and Odi Sports Club. The second match of the tournament sees defending Dhivehi Premier League champions Maziya take on Odi Sports Club.