Maldives lead 1-0 in South Asian Super Cup series

Heated moments from the match between Sri Lanka and Maldives

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka face a must-win challenge tomorrow (09) when they take on the Maldives in the decisive second match of the inaugural South Asian Super Cup football series at the Racecourse Grounds, Colombo, at 5.00 p.m.

Having lost the opening match 3-0, Sri Lanka must secure victory to level the two-match series. 

The Maldives, currently ranked 171 in FIFA’s world rankings, took control of the first game from the start, recording their 10th victory over Sri Lanka in international encounters. Goals from forwards Naiz Hassan in the 28th minute and Ibrahim Hussain in the 35th minute, both aided by Sri Lanka goalkeeper Sujan Perera’s errors, gave the visitors a 2-0 lead by halftime. 

Despite Sri Lanka creating four scoring opportunities in the second half, they failed to convert any of them, and substitute Ali Fasir sealed the game for the Maldives with a late goal in the 90th minute. 

The defeat has affected the morale of the Sri Lankan team, who had hoped to improve their FIFA ranking from 196 by overcoming the higher-ranked Maldives.

“We missed many goal chances and were unlucky, but I believe Sri Lanka will play much better in the second match. Despite the loss, the skills of our players should not be underestimated,” Sri Lanka’s head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi said after the match.

He also expressed hope that home supporters would provide stronger encouragement for the team in tomorrow’s decisive clash.