Maldives has ended the 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship undefeated.
Maldives' final match in the first regional futsal championship saw them being Sri Lanka 5-2.
Maldives had already assured their status as champion after winning 15 points from their first five games ahead of their last game. Their final game saw them end with 18 points in six games with an undefeated run.
Maldives' first five matches:
- First match against Pakistan: 7-1
- Second match against Bangladesh: 6-1
- Third match against India: 5-0
- Fourth match against Nepal: 2-1
- Fifth match against Bhutan: 3-1
Abdulla Shafiu (Shaappe) got two yellow cards and was replaced Abdulla Junaid (Jenney) from the starting five line-up, with the other three players being Captain Mohamed Imran (Immi), Ishan Ibrahim (Sattu) and Ahmed Hameed (Ammadey) for today's game. Ali Najih (Hate) played in goalkeeper Zaidhaan Ahmed's (Asoo) stead.
Imran controlled the ball and took the lead in today's match in the 13th minute after Ishan headed the ball towards him.
Mohammed Thilham equalized for Sri Lanka with three minutes left in the first half, with Huzaifath Rasheed (Huzey) taking the lead once more with 14 seconds left in the half after Ahmed Hameed creating an opportunity in front of goal.
Sri Lankan Captain Mohamed Aman Faizer equalized for his team in the 6th minute of the second half. Hameed's shot onto goal ricocheted off a Sri Lankan defender's hand and went into goal, extending Maldives' lead once more.
Ahmed Rahil Rasheed (Raakko) assisted Hussain Suhail (Sockey) for their fourth goal with six minutes left in the half. The fifth goal was scored by Imran and was assisted by Ali Shiyah (Shiya).
The fifth goal in that match was the ninth goal scored by Imran in the championship. He has scored at least once in every game, with him being the top scorer.
Today's first match saw Nepal beat Bhutan 4-1. The final match of the championship will be played between India and Pakistan.
