Faisal back to national team after two years

Experienced keeper Mohamed Faisal has returned to play for the national squad after two years of recovering from an injury.

His previous run was in the preliminary squad from June 2023 to July 2023 during the SAFF Championship held at India. He was excluded from the squad for the final round due to his injury.

After having been operated on for the injury, Faisal underwent an injury rehabilitation program and has since been deemed fit to play.

"Praise be to the Almighty, I am now fit to play. I went to play at the Laamu Atoll tournament and came out a champion," said the Buru Sports keeper.

While Faisal was recovering from his injury, Maziya's Hussain Shareef was filling in as the national goalkeeper. He is currently injured.

Due to Maziya recruiting a foreign goalkeeper for major tournaments, Hussain has fewer opportunities to play.

Newly appointed national team coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) has included Ilan Imran, 16 in the newly formed squad. Ilan has shown great skill during the tournament held from April to May. He had also earned a spot in the preliminary squad prior.

Ahzam Rasheed, 17 is another player who earned a spot in the squad. 

Hussain Raidh, who has played for the under-19 national team, has also been called up for the squad.

Mohan is set to be the national team coach for three months. Maldives will be playing against Sri Lanka under his leadership. Two friendly games will be held in Sri Lanka. The Maldives national football team will play Tajikistan next on their home turn for the Asian Cup qualifications.