Maldives extends winning run with convincing victory over Bangladesh
Maldives defeated Bangladesh 6-1 in their second SAFF Futsal Championship match in Thailand, with Mohamed Imran, Ishan Ibrahim, Ahmed Rahil Rasheed scoring twice, Ali Shiyah, and Abdulla Shafiu contributing goals. Following their 7-1 opening victory over Pakistan, Maldives leads the tournament table with six points and will face India next on Monday.
Maldivian players celebrate after scoring in the game against Bangladesh | SAFF
The Maldives national futsal team continued its strong run in the ongoing SAFF Futsal Championship (Men's Division), registering a commanding victory over Bangladesh in its second game of the tournament.
In the game played on Friday night in Thailand, the Maldives controlled the proceedings throughout, closing the contest with a dominant 6-1 scoreline.
The Maldivian side built a decisive advantage in the first half, scoring four goals, while Bangladesh managed to find the net once. The remaining two goals for Maldives were added after the break.
The scoring was opened by captain Mohamed Imran, with Ishan Ibrahim quickly doubling the lead. Maintaining a clinical edge, Ahmed Rahil Rasheed added a third goal, before Ali Shiyah converted a penalty to secure the fourth for Maldives. Just before halftime, Kazi Ibrahim scored Bangladesh’s lone goal of the match.
In the second half, Rahil struck again to claim his second goal of the game and the fifth for Maldives, while Abdulla Shafiu added the sixth to complete the rout. Although Bangladesh created several scoring opportunities, the Maldivian defense remained firm and effectively shut down their attacking efforts.
The win comes on the back of Maldives’ emphatic 7-1 victory over Pakistan in their opening fixture. With two consecutive wins and a total of six points, Maldives now sits at the top of the league table. Nepal and Pakistan occupy second and third place respectively, each with three points.
Maldives is set to face India in its next match on Monday.
