Resort League: Velaa Dethrone Soneva Jani to Win Resort League 2026 Noonu Zone Title

Sports

Velaa were crowned Resort League 2026 Noonu Zone champions after defeating Soneva Jani 4-1 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in a thrilling final.

The victory marked sweet revenge for Velaa, who had fallen to the same opponents in the 2022 Noonu Zone final, when Soneva Jani claimed a convincing 4-1 victory to become the inaugural Resort League Noonu Zone champions.

Velaa made a bright start to this year's final and took the lead in the 20th minute of the first half through Ahmed Imthinah. Their solid defensive display helped them carry the 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.

Soneva Jani responded strongly after the restart and found the equaliser in the 32nd minute of the second half, with Ahmed Rameez finding the back of the net to send the final into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Velaa were flawless. Ahmed Imran, Ahmed Imthinah and Ali Razee all converted their penalties, while Soneva Jani suffered heartbreak as Ahmed Rameez, Mohamed Junaid and Mohamed Fathooh Firag all missed from the spot.

The perfect penalty display secured Velaa a 4-1 shootout victory and the Resort League 2026 Noonu Zone championship.

For his outstanding performance, including scoring the opening goal and converting his penalty, Ahmed Imthinah was named Player of the Final.

Individual Awards

Best Five Players of the Tournament

1. Ali Shiyaaz (Soneva Jani)
2. Hassan Abdulla Jaleel (Velaa)
3. Ahmed Shafiu (Velaa)
4. Ahmed Imran (Velaa)
5. Ibrahim Niyaz (Soneva Jani)

Player of the Tournament: Mohamed Zaahidh Saeed (Velaa)

Best Coach: Ahmad Naseem (Velaa)

Top Scorer: Hussain Shaffah (Soneva Jani)

Velaa's triumph capped an impressive campaign, with the team combining defensive discipline, clinical finishing and composure under pressure to lift the Noonu Zone trophy and write a new chapter in the resort's football history.