Former national team goalkeeper Ifrah in ICU after stroke

Former Maldives national team goalkeeper Ibrahim Ifrah Areef (Ifrah), a member of the squad that won the 2008 SAFF Championship, is in intensive care at ADK Hospital after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.

Family sources said that the 35 year old underwent surgery this evening to remove bleeding in the brain but remains in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling.

Ifrah, currently active in sports fishing, was taken to hospital earlier today after complaining of sudden difficulties following a shower after coming home. Tests revealed a brain hemorrhage.

“Despite the surgery, the blood is still not completely cleared,” a family member said.

Regarded as one of the most talented goalkeepers of his time, Ifrah began his career at Valencia before shining at Maziya. He captained the Maldives Under-19 team and represented the country at the Asian Games, South Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers with the Under-23s.

He first joined the senior national squad in 2007 and was part of the historic SAFF Championship winning team in 2008, serving as reserve goalkeeper behind veterans Imran Mohamed and Hassan Rameez (Timoty). Over his club career, he played for New Radiant, Victory, BG Sports and TC Sports.