MG Football Team Reclaim Kaashidhoo Crown with Dramatic Shootout Triumph

Sports

MG Football Team (MGFT) were crowned Kaashidhoo Council Football Challenge 2026 champions after defeating NG Starting 7-6 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in Friday evening's final at Kaashidhoo Football Stadium.

The victory saw MGFT lift the prestigious title for the second time, reaffirming their status as one of Kaashidhoo's most successful football clubs. Having won the tournament in 2024 and finished as runners-up in 2025, MGFT returned to the summit with another memorable performance.

NG Starting, playing in their first-ever final, matched the experienced MGFT side throughout a tense encounter.

MGFT struck first in the 33rd minute when Manuel Kofi Brogyah found the back of the net to hand his side a deserved lead before halftime.

However, NG Starting responded immediately after the restart as Ish Aaf Mohamed Firag equalised in the 46th minute, setting up a tense battle that remained level through the remainder of normal time.

With neither side able to find a winner, the championship was decided by a penalty shootout.

MGFT held their nerve from the spot, converting six penalties to edge NG Starting 6-5 in the shootout, sealing a 7-6 overall victory.

The decisive moments came when Mohamed Adil and Ibrahim Haleem missed for NG Starting, while MGFT converted six of their seven penalties to secure the championship.

The triumph capped another impressive tournament for MGFT, who reached the final after a commanding 5-1 victory over Flyers in the semi-finals. NG Starting booked their place in the title decider by eliminating defending champions SPSC with a 3-2 win.

With the victory, MG Football Team once again etched their name into Kaashidhoo football history, lifting their second Kaashidhoo Council Football Challenge title and further strengthening their reputation as one of the island's football powerhouses.