Defending Champions Velavaru Edge Niyama on Penalties to Reach Resort League Dhaalu Zone Final

Sports

Defending champions Angsana Velavaru booked their place in the Resort League 2026 Dhaalu Zone Final after defeating Niyama Private Islands Maldives in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the playoff semi-final.

Velavaru entered the semi-final after finishing second in the league stage with five points, while Niyama secured third place with four points. League leaders The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort had already qualified directly for the final with six points.

The semi-final produced plenty of drama from start to finish. Niyama took the lead in the 18th minute of the first half when a cross into the box resulted in an own goal by Velavaru defender Ali Shaamiu.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Velavaru responded strongly after the break. Mohamed Shaah brought the defending champions level in the 26th minute of the second half, setting up an exciting finish to the contest.

Niyama regained the advantage in the 34th minute of the second half and looked set to secure their place in the final. However, with time running out, Velavaru produced a dramatic late comeback as Ali Haidham Hassan scored in the final minute of regulation time to make it 2-2 and send the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Velavaru held their nerve under pressure. The defending champions converted all five of their penalty kicks, while Niyama managed to score only three of their five attempts.

Full Time

Angsana Velavaru 2-2 Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Goals

1. 18' Own Goal – Ali Shaamiu (Velavaru) (Niyama lead 1-0)
2. 66' Mohamed Shaah (Velavaru)
3. 74' Niyama Private Islands Maldives
4. 80' Ali Haidham Hassan (Velavaru)

Penalty Shootout

Angsana Velavaru 5-3 Niyama Private Islands Maldives

The victory keeps Velavaru's title defence alive and sets up a highly anticipated final against league-stage winners The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on 8 June.

With the defending champions facing the league leaders, the stage is set for an exciting showdown to determine the Dhaalu Zone champions and the team that will advance to the Resort Super League.