Maldivian football star Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey) has been included in the national team squad after a three year absence.
Ashfaq, widely regarded as the country’s most successful footballer, has been away from the national side due to a series of injuries. His last appearance for the Maldives came in December 2022 in a friendly match against Singapore.
He stepped away from the national team following that match during the tenure of then-coach Francesco Moriero and later underwent surgery last year after suffering a prolonged knee injury.
Ashfaq, who signed for New Radiant this season, spent much of the campaign recovering. However, he returned to action toward the end of the Dhivehi Premier League season and has been working to regain his form.
Despite being 40 years old, Ashfaq continues to contribute to the team’s attack and often strengthens the side when brought on as a substitute.
His return to the national team has been welcomed by fans.
“Dhagandey is not only a player, he is the spirit of Maldivian football. His return will boost the morale of the whole team,” one supporter wrote on social media.
The Maldives national team is set to face Timor-Leste in the Asian Cup qualifiers at the National Football Stadium in Malé on the evening of the 31st of this month.
The match will mark the first game for head coach Ali Suzain Urbani with the senior national team during his third stint in charge.
Urbani will also lead the youth side at the SAFF Under-20 Championship, which begins later this month.
