Maldives delivers commendable performance in AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers

Maldives team's campaign in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers has come to an end. The team lost both of their qualifying matches — a 10-1 defeat to Afghanistan in the first match and a 7-3 loss to hosts Myanmar today.

Despite the losses, Maldivian players delivered a commendable performance. The Maldives futsal team entered this year’s qualifiers without any opportunity to train indoors, due to the ongoing lack of an indoor futsal stadium in the country, the biggest challenge the national team faces in every tournament.

Afghanistan, who played against Maldives in opening match, previously competed in both last year’s FIFA Futsal World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. They reached the top 16 of the World Cup and made it to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup. In Saturday’s match, Afghanistan scored seven goals in the first half alone against Maldives.

Ishaan Ibrahim (Sattu) scored Maldives’ first goal of the qualifiers four minutes into the second half, assisted by team captain Mohamed Imran (Immi). While Afghanistan scored several goals in the first half, they managed only three more in the second.

Although Myanmar did not participate in the World Cup, they competed in last year’s Asian Cup and are considered a strong team in the region. In today's match, Myanmar scored two early goals, but the Maldives responded well through standout performances from Sattu and Ali Shiyan (Shia). Sattu netted the Maldives’ opening goal, and Ali Hafiz (Happe) assisted Shia for the team’s second.

Happe showed significant improvement compared to his performance in the first match. Unfortunately, he was forced off with an injury about six minutes before the end of the first half. During that short period, Myanmar scored two additional goals. 

Myanmar scored their sixth goal within a minute of the second half. Huzaifah Rasheed (Huzey) added Maldives’ third goal in the final minute of the match. 

Afghanistan and Myanmar will face off in the final match of the three-team group on Wednesday. The outcome of that match will determine the first and second place standings in the group.