Asfaq, who turns 28 on Friday, became the all-time highest goal scorer in the SAFF after his double hat-trick against Sri Lanka that was reduced to 10 men in the 19th minute following the sending off of its custodian MN Mohamed Imran. [break]
Asfaq took his tally to 14 goals in the SAFF surpassing former Indian captain Baichung Bhutia´s previous record of 12 goals. Asfaq had scored three goals each in 2005 (Karachi) and 2009 (Dhaka) and two goals in 2011 in New Delhi, India.
Asfaq, the Maldives´ all-time highest scorer with 38 goals, also became the first player to score a double hat-trick in the SAFF and also set a new SAFF record for most individual goals in a match. Bilal Arezou of Afghanistan had earlier netted four goals in a single match during the last edition held in New Delhi.
Similarly, the Maldives´ 10-0 victory on Monday was the biggest win in the history of SAFF. Earlier, the same team had defeated Afghanistan 9-1 in 2005.
The Maldives´ Hungarian coach Urbanyi Istava Bela described Asfaq as an extraordinary player. "What he did today was an extraordinary performance. He is a team leader and football is a team game. Some players were disappointed not to have scored," Bela said, adding that he was happy with the results and had expected a lot of goals.
"The win in the first match increased the confidence level of the team. Though the team played good, I saw weaknesses and need to fix lot of problems in upcoming matches," said the Hungarian.
Asfaq, who was not available for comments netted his first two goals on penalties earned by himself in the 21st and 45th minute going into half time 3-0 up. Asadulla Abdulla had given Maldives an early lead in the sixth minute.
Sri Lanka´s misery began in the 19th following the sending off of custodian MN Mohamed Imran after the last man took down Asfaq, who converted the resulting penalty. Asfaq earned second penalty in the 45th after being fouled by skipper LAT Suranda Bandara.
Asfaq completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half and netted his other goals in the 53rd, 57th and 86th minute. The other goals came from substitutes Hassan Adhuham and Ali Umar in the 75th and 85th while Fasir netted in the 83rd.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka´s coach SC Roberto pointed that early red card to his custodian, early goal and injury of his defender RNAMAB Warakagoda that forced him out of the field in 16th minute as setbacks for the team.
"Everything went wrong today and I take full responsibility for the defeat," said the Brazilian with the help of interpreter.
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