National Under-17 football team Coach Sobah Mohamed Ibrahim (Soba) has said that the recent victory of the senior National Football Team against Sri Lanka in the South Asian Super Cup is an ispiration for younger teams. 

Speaking at the pre-tournament press briefing for the Under-17 SAFF Championship being held in Sri Lanka, Sobah said that the senior team's win is added motivation for both younger national squads and supporters. 

"The success of the national team, working under the new President of the FAM, is a new hope for Maldivian football," Sobah said. 

Sobah emphasized that there are skilled players amongst the Maldives' age categories. However, the challenge they face is the lack of opportunities to play international matches, he noted. 

In Maldives' first match in the Under-17 SAFF Championship, they will face off against India. The match is scheduled for Tuesday. Maldives' group then consists of Pakistan and Bhutan. 

Sobah said that the team's sole focus now is the match against India. Other matches will be considered after concluding the first match, he said. 

Sobah, who previously served as Assistant Coach for the Under-23 squad, said that the approach in the match against India will be unique. 

"We will not be playing against Pakistan or Bhutan in the same way we play against India," he explained. 

Sobah, who assumed charge of the Under-17 squad last month, reported notable technical progress achieved over the 18 day window. 

"But this team hasn't yet received an adequate international opportunity for technical preparations," Sobah said. 

Mohamed Ilan, 16, recognized for his standout performance with the senior team in the Super Cup, is also included in the Under-17 squad. 

Sobah said that Maziya's forward Ilan will be playing in the Under 17 squad on Tuesday, after the season opener charity shield match. 

In the charity shield match, Maziya will be playing against Eagles tomorrow.