Colombo, Sri Lanka: Maldives National Football Team ended their five-game winless streak in style, defeating Sri Lanka 3-0 in Colombo in the opening clash of the South Asian Super Cup.
The result marked a perfect debut for new head coach Mohamed Shiyaz, who could not have asked for a stronger start to his tenure.
The victory was historic in more ways than one. It was the first time the Maldives had faced Sri Lanka on their home soil since the thrilling 4-4 draw at the Racecourse Stadium during the 2021 Four Nations Cup. This time, however, the Red Snappers delivered a commanding display, showing both tactical discipline and attacking flair to silence the hosts.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Naiz Hassan (Dhaadhu) rose highest to head home the opener. Just minutes later, Dhaadhu turned provider, setting up Ibrahim Mahudhee (Feydhoo Ibbe) for the second, giving the Maldives a deserved two-goal cushion before halftime.
Sri Lanka were handed a lifeline early in the second half when Sam Durrant stepped up to take a penalty, but he failed to convert, leaving the hosts frustrated. The miss proved costly as the Maldives tightened their grip on the game, rarely allowing Sri Lanka space to threaten.
The icing on the cake came in stoppage time. Sixteen-year-old debutant Mohamed Illan Imran, the youngest player ever to represent the Maldives, showcased his composure by setting up veteran forward Ali Fasir, who calmly slotted home the third to seal a comprehensive victory.
Shiyaz praised his players’ fighting spirit after the match, crediting the win to their determination and unity:
“The key was that the players gave their hearts for this result. They deserve the praise, especially in such a difficult period for Maldivian football,” he said. At the same time, the coach stressed that the team must remain grounded: “This is only the beginning. There is still a lot of work to be done.”
The win not only boosts Maldives’ confidence ahead of the second leg in three days’ time but also extends their dominance over Sri Lanka. This was the Maldives’ 10th victory in 23 meetings, with their last defeat to the island neighbors dating back 23 years.
Sri Lankan head coach Abdulla Al Mutairi admitted that his side struggled against a sharper Maldivian team and even noted the overwhelming support for the visitors: “Although the match was played in Colombo, it felt like a home game for the Maldives. Their fans filled the stands and lifted their team to victory.”
For Maldivian football, this result was more than just three points it was a much-needed statement of resilience and belief. And for Mohamed Shiyaz, it was the perfect first step in what could be a promising new era.
