Maziya arrive in Dhaka

Maziya SRC arrived here yesterday to take part in the AFC Cup with a hope of securing three points against Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani.

Despite playing in last three editions, the Maldives Premier League champions are yet to cross the group-stage hurdle, and this time they have been pitted against last edition's runners-up Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bangan and Abahani.

Maziya will take on Abahani in Dhaka tomorrow while the two Indian outfits will square off in Bangalore on the same day.

After reaching the hotel amid heavy traffic congestion, the Maldivians cancelled their scheduled practice session but had a fitness session at the hotel gym.

The team officials avoided media here, but ahead of leaving Maldives, the Maziya coach Marjan Sekulovski told local media that their aim is to secure all three points as they would take on Abahani on the back of a 3-0 win over Green Street in a Maldives Premier League match.

The Maziya coach also reportedly claimed that their strength has been increased due to inclusion of five new signings, including a foreign recruit.