The Maldives has made a strong start in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers by defeating Brunei 2-0.

The qualifiers for Group K, which includes the Maldives, are taking place in Yangon, Myanmar.

From the start of the match, the Maldivian team took control and put pressure on Brunei's defense.

Facing Brunei under the guidance of experienced youth football coach Ahmed Shakir (Shakitte), the Maldivian team took the lead in the first half as a result of the dangerous attacks they created.

The Maldives' first goal was scored in the 20th minute of the match by New Radiant forward Ethan Ibrahim Zakee. While playing with control of the game, Ethan took advantage of open space and sent a stunning long-range strike from outside the area into the goal.

The Maldives maintained the game they were playing. The second goal was scored by captain Mohamed Ilan Imran.

On an opportunity created by his Maziya teammate Nassaah Ibrahim Nasir, Ilan calmly sent the ball into the net from inside Brunei's area to extend the Maldives' lead.

With a two-goal lead in the second half, the Maldivian team prioritized maintaining control.

Counter-attacking attempts that Brunei tried to build through a key role played by captain Haruman Sulaiman were effectively halted by the Maldivian defense line.

The other teams in this group are Myanmar and Sri Lanka. In the group's first match, Myanmar won the clash between the two teams 4-0. Up next for the Maldives is a match against Sri Lanka coming up on Thursday.