Maziya Retain Charity Shield After Thrilling Shootout Victory

Sports

The 2026 Maldivian football season got off to a spectacular start as Maziya Sports & Recreation Club retained the Charity Shield, defeating New Radiant Sports Club 5-4 on penalties after an entertaining 3-3 draw in regulation time.

The season opener was attended by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, Abdulla Rafiu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, officially marking the beginning of the new domestic football season.

New Radiant made a flying start to the contest through their marquee Brazilian signing Dorielton Gomes Nascimento, who opened the scoring in the 4th minute. The Blues Doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when Ali Fasir found the back of the net.

Maziya responded just before halftime as Mohamed Ilan Imran reduced the deficit in the 41st minute, giving the Green Boys hope heading into the closing stages of the first half.

However, New Radiant restored their two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time when Dorielton struck again, completing his brace to send his side into the break with a 3-1 lead.

Maziya mounted an impressive comeback after the restart. Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain scored in the 51st minute to make it 3-2 before Mohamed Ilan Imran netted his second goal of the evening in the 65th minute, levelling the match at 3-3.

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

Maziya held their composure from the spot, converting all five penalties, while New Radiant managed to score four of their five attempts, handing Maziya a 5-4 shootout victory and another Charity Shield title.

The dramatic victory gives Maziya an ideal start to the new campaign, while New Radiant—despite an impressive debut performance from Dorielton Gomes Nascimento—will take plenty of positives into the season after pushing the defending champions all the way.