Maldives crushed Cambodia

April 2, 2001

The Maldives kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Cambodia in Male on Sunday.

Ali Umar and Adam Abdulatif both struck twice as the Indian Ocean islanders, more famous for their 17-0 hammering at the hands of Iran in the qualifying tournament for France 98, earned the first points of Group Nine, which also includes Indonesia and China.

Umar put the Maldives ahead after 33 minutes as the Maldives went into the break leading by a goal.

Abdulatif then added the second seven minutes after the restart. Ali Shiham scored the third in the 68th minute and Umar hit his second 11 minutes later.

Ashraf Luthufee scored the fifth for Josef Jankech's side eight minutes from time and, three minutes into injury time, Abdulatif claimed his second and the Maldives' sixth.

Indonesia will have their first qualifying match against Maldives on Sunday (4/8) in Jakarta. They will then face Cambodia still at home, before going on an away tour to Cambodia, Maldives, and China, and then finish off their campaign at home against favorites China.

Speaking about Maldives big win against Cambodia, national team's manager Irawadi Hanafi said that it was indeed a big surprise.

"Maldives is very impressive, earning such an easy win against Cambodia. We will definitely take a close attention at them," said Irawadi.

from AFC Website and Kompas Online