Male' Maldives: SAFF U-20 Championship began dramatically in the Maldives, with two closely contested opening matches producing early surprises as Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the host nation, while Nepal secured a hard-fought victory over Bhutan.
At Galolhu Stadium, Maldives national under-20 football team surrender a two-goal first-half lead to lose 3–2 against Sri Lanka in a result that stunned home supporters. Maldives looked firmly in control during the opening half, showing composure in possession, attacking confidence, and strong control of the game.
Maldives captain Ilan Imran opened the scoring in the 28th minute after finishing a move created by Ahmed Mikyal Mueen, who delivered a precise pass that allowed Ilan to dribble past the goalkeeper Shaathin Shaheed, before finding the net. The captain doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, finishing again after an assist from Ahzam Rasheed and a mistake from substitute goalkeeper Nadhal Senapal, giving the hosts a deserved 2–0 lead at the break.
The momentum shifted immediately after the restart as Sri Lanka responded within 44 seconds. Mohamed Katheem reduced the deficit with a powerful long-range strike that gave the Maldivian defence little time to settle. Sri Lanka’s pressure continued, and Ahamed Hijaazy equalized with a low effort that struck the post before crossing the line.
With the match moving toward a draw, Sri Lanka completed the turnaround in the 88th minute when captain Hussain Abdullah converted from the penalty spot after Katheem was fouled by Maldives goalkeeper Xahran Hassan Ziyad inside the area.
Maldives nearly rescued a point in stoppage time, but Ilan Imran’s header struck the crossbar following a dangerous delivery from Ethan Zaki, leaving the hosts frustrated at full time.
Earlier in the day, Nepal opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Bhutan in another competitive Group encounter at the same venue. Nepal took the lead in the fifth minute through Sujan Dangol, who converted from an indirect free kick inside the penalty area after Bhutan conceded a technical infringement close to goal.
Bhutan’s challenge became more difficult in the 14th minute when midfielder Thinley Yoezer was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. His dismissal followed an earlier booking for dissent during the sequence leading to Nepal’s opening goal, leaving Bhutan to play the majority of the match with ten men.
Nepal capitalized on their numerical advantage in the 52nd minute when Subash Bam, who also features for Nepal’s senior national side, scored with an impressive long-range effort into the top corner to extend the lead.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Bhutan continued to compete and found a way back into the match in the 83rd minute through Dendup Gyeltshen, whose goal set up a tense finish. .
The opening day results have immediately added intensity to the tournament, with Sri Lanka gaining early momentum after defeating the hosts, while Nepal position themselves strongly with an important opening win.
