Maziya Sports & Recreation defender, Samooh Ali (Samutte), is set to return to the Maldives national football team and resume his role as captain as the national side prepares for three international friendly matches during the upcoming FIFA international break.
Samutte, who has captained the Maldives since the 2023 SAFF Championship, was omitted from the national squad ahead of the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament held in Malé in June.
At the time, Maldives head coach István Urbányi stated that the captain’s absence was due to injury.
However, speaking at a press conference ahead of the Maldives’ departure to China for an international friendly against the China national team, Urbányi offered further clarification on Samutte’s omission. The coach acknowledged that something had happened during the period of his absence and described it as a mistake, while emphasizing that it should not continue to define the situation.
Urbányi stated that Samutte should be given another opportunity to prove that he remains a leader for the national team, paving the way for the captain’s return to the squad.
Samutte, meanwhile, said he never felt disconnected from the national team despite being left out. He emphasized that he remains close to his teammates and continues to maintain strong relationships with the players.
His return provides the national team with additional experience and leadership as the Maldives prepares for a demanding international schedule.
Maldives Prepare for Three International Friendlies
The Maldives national football team has begun preparations for three international friendly matches in China and Kyrgyzstan.
The upcoming fixtures are:
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 24 September | Maldives vs China PR | Chongqing, China |
| 28 September | Maldives vs Kyrgyzstan | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
| 1 October | Maldives vs Lebanon | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan |
The matches will provide the Maldives with valuable international competition and an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad ahead of future commitments.
Maldives National Team Squad
The squad travelling for the upcoming friendly matches includes the following players:
- Hussain Shareef (Maziya)
- Mohamed Ashwaan (Odi SC)
- Mohamed Yaameen (Victory SC)
- Samooh Ali (Maziya)
- Ibrahim Aisam (Maziya)
- Haisham Hassan (Maziya)
- Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain (Maziya)
- Abdulla Looth Ibrahim (Maziya)
- Ibrahim Waheed Hassan (Odi SC)
- Thoif Gasim (Buru SC)
- Ali Fasir (New Radiant)
- Ahmed Aiham (Maziya)
- Hussain Shifaau Yoosuf (Victory SC)
- Hassan Eenaz (TC Sports Club)
- Nisham Mohamed Rasheed (Maziya)
- Amdhan Ali (New Radiant)
- Areen Abdulla Ibrahim (Buru SC)
- Ahmed Aiham (Odi SC)
- Muzdhan Hassan (Odi SC)
- Nassah Ibrahim Nasir (Maziya)
- Ahzam Rasheed (Odi SC)
- Ahmed Numaan (Odi SC)
- Ahmed Maish Rasheed (Victory SC)
With Samutte returning to the squad, the Maldives will look to combine experienced leadership with fresh opportunities for players during the three-match international tour.
