The Maldives National Women's Football Team has lost its first game in the Women's SAFF Championship.

Maldives lost to Sri Lanka in the match played on Friday.

Sri Lanka won the match 1 – 0.

Their only goal was scored in the 17th minute of the first half. Imesha scored the goal for her team with a header.

Maldivian players seized every opportunity to score throughout the match.

However, they were unable to take advantage of their opportunities.

The Sri Lankan goalkeeper successfully saved every shot taken by the Maldives.

This year's Women's SAFF Championship is being held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 – 30.

The Maldives National Women's Football Team departed for Nepal on October 13 to participate in the tournament.

Seven countries will compete in the Women's SAFF Championship including host country Nepal, along with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

Maldives is in Group B with Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

Group A consists of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

The country’s second match will be against Nepal on October 21.

Maldives will be up against Bhutan, on October 24, in the final match of the group stage.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.

The first semi-final will be between the winner of Group A and the runner-up of Group B.

The second semi-final will be between the winner of Group B and the runner-up of Group A.