The country is ticking like a time-bomb ready to explode. There is complete anarchy everywhere. There is a complete cessation of ordinary life and law and order. The Maldives is celebrating the unpcrecedented success of its footballers, who have proven themselves to be national heroes.

A woman talking to a national radio chat show said that she is so happy that the opening goal of the championship which saw the country victorious against mighty India was scored by Shifan who hails from Haa Alif Atoll – the land that produced the nations saviour from the Portuguese rule.

Anchors on national radio and tv highlighted the need for calm and respect by the celebrating crowds when they passed mosques and hospitals. The event to receive the footballers which started around four thirty in the afternoon lasted till after eight thirty in the evening. The usually ultra-religous people continued to celebrate and play music through the Maghrib and Isha prayers in defiance of tradition.

As one person put it, there are quarters within the society who are shocked, awed and saddened by the new found unity that the national footballers have brought to this nation divided by religous and political ideologies that were tearing apart the social fabric that held us together. It is indeed true that people have decided to put aside their differences for the nation. It is a beautiful sight; one that will be fondly remembered for a long time.

Despite the mixed sentiments, there is no doubt that Maldivians have never been happier as a people and as a nation. It is a time to celebrate like never. Perhaps, codes of conduct and respect for others and maintaining order through better organization would follow, the next time. It is a nation in joyful shock and awe indeed.

This football team has given the young people of the nation, something worth looking up to. A reason for believing in a future.