Nonthaburi, Thailand: Maldives Women’s Futsal Team delivered a spirited and courageous performance but ultimately suffered a narrow 7–6 defeat to Sri Lanka in a thrilling encounter at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 in Thailand.
Maldives mounted three separate comebacks to draw level during the match but were unable to complete a full turnaround.
Both teams entered the fixture in search of their first victory of the tournament. Maldives had lost all four of their previous matches, while Sri Lanka had drawn their opening encounter against Nepal before going on to record three defeats.
Playing at the Nonthaburi Stadium Indoor Hall, Sri Lanka made an explosive start, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Imesha scored twice early on, while Tharidhi added a third after being set up by Imesha.
Maldives responded with renewed determination as substitute Aminath Fazla pulled one back to spark a comeback. The deficit was reduced further when Mariyam Noora’s corner was inadvertently diverted into the net by Sri Lanka’s Dilasha. Captain Fathimath Shaliya then completed the fightback by scoring the equalizer.
However, Sri Lanka regained the lead before the break, with Tharidhi netting her second goal of the match.
The second half continued at a frenetic pace. Fazla once again brought Maldives level, scoring her second goal of the match to equalize for the second time. Sri Lanka quickly restored their advantage after an unfortunate own goal by Hawwa Haneefa.
Maldives refused to relent and drew level for the third time when Shaliya’s corner was parried into the net by Sri Lankan goalkeeper Tharmika.
Sri Lanka reclaimed the lead through Imesha, who completed her hat-trick. Maldives were handed an opportunity to close the gap when they were awarded a long-range penalty, but Mariyam Noora was unable to convert. Shortly after, an own goal extended Sri Lanka’s advantage.
Maldives continued to press and were rewarded late on when Raniya Ibrahim calmly converted from the spot following Sri Lanka’s seventh foul, resulting in another long-range penalty.
Despite the late goal, Maldives were unable to find an equalizer before the final whistle, bringing an end to a dramatic contest.
Elsewhere earlier in the day, Bangladesh recorded a dominant 9–1 victory over Pakistan, while Bhutan edged India 2–1.
Bangladesh now stand on the brink of lifting the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship title and will face Maldives in the final league-round match.
