Maldives and Sri Lanka have tied in the first game of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy or the Four Nations Cup.

Both teams tied 4 – 4 in the game, held at the Colombo Racecourse Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Maldives took the lead in the first half of the game, with a score by Captain Akram Abdul Ghani. A minute later, Ali Fasir expanded the lead with a second score.

A third goal was scored for Maldives in the 34th minute of the game, by Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain.

Football star Ali Ashfaq scored the team’s fourth score 13 minutes into the second half of the match.

Although Maldives was off to a promising win, the Sri Lankan team amped up its play, with Ahmed Rizik Waseem scoring three consecutive goals at close ranges. The score tied with a goal by Waseem in the additional time played.

Maldives showed an average performance in the second half of the game.

This is the Maldives’ National Football Team’s next big event after facing defeat in the Ooredoo SAFF Championship 2021. This is also the team’s first big event following the appointment of Italy’s Franceso Moriero as coach.

The game between Maldives and Sri Lanka was initially to take place on Monday night. However, it was delayed due to bad weather.

Maldives President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih officiated the “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy 2021” football tournament opening ceremony.

Four countries are competing for the trophy; Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Seychelles.

The Four Nations Cup will proceed until November 19. The finals were initially to be held on November 17 however, it was delayed in order to make arrangements as FIFA President Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is scheduled to make an appearance as the guest of honor in the final game.

Maldives second match in the tournament will be against Bangladesh on Thursday. In the first match of the league round, Maldives will compete with Seychelles on November 14. This is likely to be changed due to the delay in commencing the tournament.

In an earlier Four Nations Cup tournament in 2012, Maldives took home the trophy. However, the championship was held for under 23 teams back then.

The national team began training for the cup, on October 25.