Maldives seal stunning stoppage-time comeback to defeat Timor-Leste
Maldives defeated Timor-Leste 2-1 at Galolhu National Stadium to conclude their Asian Cup Qualifications. After trailing in the second half, the Maldives equalized through Mohamed Irufaan before Ali Fasir scored a stoppage-time penalty to secure the win. This victory marked a successful debut for new head coach István Urbányi and ended the team's five-match losing streak.
Maldives' Sentey celebrates after scoring a goal during the match. | FAM | FAM
The Maldives national football team secured a hard-fought victory against Timor-Leste national football team in their final match of the Asian Cup Qualifications, scoring in the dying minutes of the game.
In the match held at the Galolhu National Stadium on Tuesday, the Maldives triumphed with a 2-1 scoreline.
Although Timor-Leste took the initial lead, the Maldivian side staged a remarkable comeback by netting two goals in the second half to clinch the win.
After a goalless first half, Timor-Leste broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, with Alessandro Bakito Lemos finding the back of the net.
However, Maldives responded late in the game when Mohamed Irufaan equalized from a corner kick.
The winning goal came during stoppage time after the regulation 90 minutes had concluded.
Ali Fasir converted a decisive penalty to secure the win for Maldives. The penalty was awarded following a foul on Ali Ashfaq inside the Timor-Leste penalty area.
This victory concludes the Maldives' campaign in the Asian Cup Qualifications, having faced defeats in their previous five matches. Further, this match marked a successful debut for the national team under the guidance of their recently appointed head coach, István Urbányi.
