Nonthaburi, Thailand: Maldives National Men’s Futsal Team continued their dominant run in the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship with a commanding 5–0 victory over India in Thailand.
Heading into the match, Maldives had briefly slipped to second place in the standings after Pakistan and Nepal played out a 4–4 draw, leaving Pakistan on seven points. However, Maldives responded emphatically, dismantling India to move to nine points from three matches.
With three fixtures remaining, Maldives now require just five more points to secure the championship title. Their remaining opponents are Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
The match, played at the Nonthaburi Province Stadium Indoor Hall, began with India adopting a physical approach, disrupting Maldives’ attacking rhythm and looking to capitalize on counterattacks.
Maldives, however, found the breakthrough through a moment of brilliance from Abdulla Shafiu (Shaappe), whose intelligent play set up captain Mohamed Imran (Immi) to open the scoring.
In the first half, Maldives were forced to adjust their pressing game after conceding five fouls, which slowed their momentum.
The second half, however, told a very different story. Maldives struck twice within the opening four minutes after the restart, with Shaappe scoring the second goal after beating Indian goalkeeper Ozen Vivian Silva. Shortly after, Huzaifath Rasheedh (Huzey) provided the assist for Ali Shamaal Abdulla (Shammu) to net Maldives’ third.
India attempted to mount a comeback by employing the power play, but Maldives goalkeeper Zaidhaan Ahmed (Asu) delivered an outstanding performance, denying every attacking effort that came his way.
Maldives added two more goals from their own half, with Immi scoring his second of the night and Ahmed Hameedh (Ammadey) sealing the emphatic win with the fifth goal.
India’s frustrations culminated in a straight red card for Lalsangkima following a dangerous foul on Maldives player Hussain Shareef (Only).
Maldives will return to action on Thursday against Nepal, followed by a clash with Bhutan on Saturday, before concluding their campaign against Sri Lanka next Monday.
