KCFC26: Flyers Through Despite Defeat as NG Starting Finish Top

Sports

NG Starting completed a perfect Group B campaign in the Kaashidhoo Council Football Challenge 2026, defeating Flyers 2-1 to finish as group winners and book their place in the semi-finals.

After opening the tournament with an impressive 5-1 victory over EN Football Team (ENFT), NG Starting secured their second consecutive win to finish on six points from two matches.

Despite the defeat, Flyers also advanced to the semi-finals. They finished with one point from two matches, but progressed as Group B runners-up thanks to a superior goal difference over ENFT, whose campaign ended with just one point from two games.

The first half was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating chances but unable to break the deadlock as the teams went into the interval locked at 0-0.

NG Starting finally found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute, when Ish Aaf Mohamed Firaq opened the scoring. The Group B leaders doubled their advantage in the 71st minute through Iyas Ali, putting themselves firmly in control.

Flyers refused to give up and pulled one back just two minutes later when Ali Shanoon found the net in the 73rd minute, but NG Starting held on to claim all three points and complete a flawless group-stage campaign.

With the group stage now complete, the semi-final line-up has been confirmed. Flyers will face Group A winners MG Football Team (MGFT) in the first semi-final on Wednesday at 6:45 a.m., while Group B champions NG Starting will take on defending champions SP Sports Club (SPSC) in the second semi-final on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

Having won both of their group matches, NG Starting head into the knockout stage full of confidence, while Flyers will look to upset the tournament favourites as the battle for the Kaashidhoo Council Football Challenge 2026 title intensifies.