Maldives will play Pakistan this sunday and India in Wednesday of this years SAFF championship 2026.
India won first game of the group against Pakistan by 3-2.
This is fourth saff championship of Hungarian István Urbányi with the maldives. He lost to 2009 final against India on penalties and he lost the semi finals of 2011 and 2013 saff championships against India.
Maldives head coach István Urbányi has urged his players to approach the upcoming SAFF Championship as an opportunity rather than a source of pressure, as the national team prepares for crucial Group B encounters against Pakistan on Sunday and India on Wednesday.
Maldives will begin their campaign against Pakistan before facing defending champions India in their second group match. India have already opened their campaign with a 3–2 victory over Pakistan, setting up an important contest for the Maldives as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.
For Urbányi, this year's tournament carries additional significance.
Speaking before the tournament, the Hungarian coach acknowledged the challenges facing his side, pointing to a demanding travel schedule, injuries and changes within the squad. He said the team had played several competitive matches recently but admitted that it was difficult to assess exactly where the Maldives stood ahead of the competition.
“It's going to be obviously challenging. We have been travelling a lot lately, and we have played competitive matches. You can also see from the first game in the group that India put in a very solid performance. They could have scored several goals, even five or six, but the game ended 3–2. Pakistan scored from a penalty, so football depends on small details and moments,” Urbányi said.
“Hopefully, we can pick up a good rhythm. It is not easy to say where we are at in this competition right now. Let's wait for the first match and see what we have. I hope everybody can bring their maximum.”
The Maldives coach also highlighted the impact of injuries, particularly the absence of Ilan Imran and Haisham Hassan, known as Bidi. Ilan's absence leaves the team without a recognised number nine, while Urbányi described Haisham as an important player because of his ability to operate in multiple positions within the team's system.
“We have players missing due to injuries. We all know Ilan was not only a promising player but also an important part of the group as the only number nine. I feel very sorry about Bidi missing because, in our system, he is very important. We can use him in multiple positions,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Urbányi insisted that the team would concentrate on its own performance rather than become overly concerned about the opposition.
“I'm not thinking about the opponents because whoever is on the field, that will be our opposition,” he said.
The coach underlined the importance of Sunday's opening match against Pakistan, explaining that a victory would secure the Maldives' qualification for the semi-finals. Even a draw would keep the team in contention for a place in the last four.
“The situation is simple. If we win the first match, we are already qualified for the semi-final. If we don't lose, we are still in the race,” Urbányi said.
He also urged his players to enjoy the experience and view the tournament as an opportunity to make their mark, rather than allowing the expectations of supporters to weigh heavily on them.
“I will not play, so the pressure is on the players. Hopefully, they will not take it as pressure. They should look at it as an opportunity and a challenge. If you come here and take it as pressure, then don't come. This is the message I will tell the players. Enjoy yourselves and play the game,” he said.
Urbányi acknowledged the emotional importance of the SAFF Championship for Maldivian supporters, noting that several players will be experiencing the regional tournament for the first time. He estimated that eight to ten players in the squad are making their SAFF Championship debuts.
“This tournament is very important for Maldivian supporters. I have been part of this journey, and this is my fourth time, most likely my last time. I told a few players that you never know, this could be your last SAFF Championship. It is the first SAFF Championship for eight to ten players. Let's make it memorable for all of us,” he said.
Reflecting on his previous campaigns, Urbányi recalled the strength of the 2009 Maldives side, which defeated India during the group stage before eventually losing to the same opponents in the final on penalties.
“In 2009, we had a very solid side. We beat India in the group stage and then got beaten on penalties in the final. There are lots of great memories. This is a new chapter, and I would say it is part of a transition happening in Maldivian football,” he said.
The coach also hinted that the current tournament could mark the end of his time in charge of the national team. However, he clarified that his contractual role is mainly as the Maldives' technical director, with his national team coaching responsibilities forming part of that position.
Urbányi explained that his contract allows him to appoint coaches or make recommendations regarding coaching positions, adding that there are other areas of football development he intends to focus on.
“I'm not thinking about coaching that much. There are so many other things to do. When you are coaching a team, your brain is always thinking about the team and the tournaments. Obviously, it is early to make decisions, but sometimes it comes to the end of something. Saying goodbye or leaving,” he said.
For Urbányi, the immediate priority remains Sunday's meeting with Pakistan. With a semi-final place within reach, he wants his players to embrace the challenge, give their maximum and create lasting memories in what could be his final SAFF Championship campaign with the Maldives.
