Maldives prove critics wrong by upsetting Sri Lanka 3-0

South Asian Super Cup

Monday, 8 September 2025 03:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Althaf Nawaz

The Maldives on Saturday created an upset by defeating the much-fancied Sri Lankan side by 3 goals to nil in the curtain raiser of the South Asian Super Cup soccer match played at the Racecourse Stadium. Playing as underdogs amidst a strong Lankan outfit, the Maldives proved critics wrong to notch a sensational win to retain hopes of annexing the title.

It all happened in the first half of the game, where the visitors imposed immense pressure on the hosts to make inroads. They were quite successful and booted two goals in quick succession to leave for lemons at 2-0.

After the turnaround, it was a ding-dong battle for supremacy. The winners made some valiant moves to increase their lead, while the hosts surged ahead to reduce the deficit. An ideal opportunity for reducing the gap went abegging after Lankan striker Samuel Durrant missed a sitter when his penalty kick went astray.

The Maldives bounced back gallantly after some splendid ball controlling skills. Their efforts earned them success when they booted their third and final goal of the game to seal a great win and keep hopes alive of securing the Championship tomorrow.

For team Sri Lanka, it was an off day, according to their team sources, as they never got into the game and the much needed lady-luck did not favour them. It is now going to be a Herculean task for them if they are to have a chance at the title, where they have to score more than three goals while holding their rivals to a barren scorecard.

Naiz Hassan (28), Ibrahim Hussain (35), and Ali Fasir (93) scored for the winners.

The second match will be played tomorrow.