The Bangladeshi media has praised Maldives for their efforts on the pitch after their game against SAFF Women's Champion Bangladesh.

Maldives suffered an 11-0 defeat to India in their opening match of the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, prompting criticism and mockery over the scale of the loss.

However, Bangladeshi media showed respect for Maldives' efforts against Bangladesh. Bangladesh scored against Maldives within 11 seconds of the match starting, with the belief that more goals were to come.

The second goal was scored in the 34th minute, changing the score to 2-0 to Bangladesh. But the Maldivian team did not lose hope.

Despite eventually falling to a 4-2 defeat against Bangladesh, the Maldives women’s national team earned praise for a spirited performance that briefly stunned their opponents during the match.

After Bangladesh had taken control early on, Mariyam Noora pulled one back for the Maldives with a long-range strike before Aminath Fazla scored soon after to level the match at 2-2, leaving the Bangladesh side visibly shaken. Despite the loss, the Maldivian side received praise from supporters for their determination and improved display following criticism after their opening defeat.

According to Bangladesh's The Daily Sun, even though Maldives did not win any match, the Maldivian team was able to gain everyone's respect and stole everyone's hearts.

Travel difficulties and logistical obstacles

During the post-game press conference, Maldives coach Sobah Mohamed Ibrahim shared the obstacles and difficulties faced by the team. When traveling to India on 24th May, half of the team got stuck in the Mumbai International Airport (BOM / Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport). Some players lost their luggage, with the team not even getting 24 hours to recover for their first game. Along with that, Maldives' number one goalkeeper was unable to play in the match.

"We played against India on 24th May before the first match of the championship. At the time, half of the team was stuck at BOM," said Sobah, stating that it had happened due to sudden check-in counter closures.

"Some of our luggage was lost as well. We did not even get 24 hours to rest properly. That is also an issue we encountered. Along with that, we do not have our top goalkeeper with us for the championship."

According to Sobah, when comparing themselves to India and Bangladesh, the football played by the Maldives national women's team is not on a professional level. There is no constant women's football league. The players are futsal players.

The coach only had 28 days to prepare for the championship. Only two friendly matches were played in the past year. Other nations conducted camps in Europe and made major investments.

"When comparing ourselves to India and Bangladesh, we are not so professional. Our country does not even have a professional league. These women came from futsal. We took part in the championship simply because it was taking place," said Sobah.

The hard work and effort

Before the match, the Maldives coach instructed players to stay mentally strong and not lose confidence if they conceded, focusing on discipline and limiting further goals.

The team showed improved tactical organisation against Bangladesh, with defenders and wingers working hard to contain attacks and support defensive structure. Despite a 4-2 defeat, the performance drew praise for its resilience and effort.

"I told my girls, 'even if we lose 1-0, work to not concede a second goal. Even if there is a second goal, play on.' Even if three goals are scored, work to not concede a fourth goal," said Sobah.

"My girls moved forward for 90 minutes. They moved forward, on and on. I was shocked. I am very proud of these girls."

Sobah stated that he was very proud of the players for their efforts on the field for the 90 minute game.

"This has given us determination to move forward": FAM

After the game, Football Association of Maldives (FAM) said that the women's team played quite well against the most recent champion team. FAM highlighted that they saw many positive points during the game in their efforts to build and develop Maldivian football.

"Our women's team showed impressive plays and progress against champion team Bangladesh in the final match of the group," as was stated by FAM in a social media post. 

"While we have constantly been working to develop women's football, we saw many positive things to build upon in the coming days."