Resort league:Conrad Crowned Ari Zone Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller

Sports

Conrad Resort were crowned champions of the Resort League Ari Zone after defeating MELIA in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the final.

Conrad booked their place in the final after finishing as the league round leaders, while MELIA secured the second finalist spot by defeating Lily Beach 3-2 in the playoff semi-final.

The final lived up to expectations as both teams produced an exciting six-goal contest before Conrad held their nerve to win the penalty shootout. Conrad converted all four of their spot-kicks, while MELIA managed to score only two of their four attempts.

Conrad made the perfect start when Abdulla Azeem opened the scoring in the 6th minute of the first half. MELIA responded five minutes later through Ahmed Maisoon, who levelled the score in the 11th minute.

Conrad regained the lead in the 16th minute when Ahmed Shaaheen found the net, giving his side a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

MELIA fought back after the break, with Mohamed Adam equalising in the 25th minute. However, Conrad restored their lead just a minute later as Abdulla Azeem scored his second goal of the match to make it 3-2.

The match remained finely balanced until the 38th minute of the second half, when Main Mohamed scored MELIA's third goal to send the final into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Conrad were clinical, converting all four of their penalties. MELIA, however, could only score two from four attempts, handing Conrad the Ari Zone title after an unforgettable final.

Conrad's triumph capped an outstanding campaign, having topped the league stage before lifting the Resort League Ari Zone championship trophy.