Maldives made a powerful statement in the inaugural South Asian Super Cup 2025, sweeping aside hosts Sri Lanka 3–0 at the Racecourse International Stadium.
The result underlined the Maldivians’ regional pedigree while leaving Sri Lanka with much to ponder ahead of the second leg on September 9.
Bright Start, Costly Misses
Under the sweltering Colombo heat, Sri Lanka began the game with energy and ambition. Garrett Kelly and Samuel Durrant looked lively in attack, while Waseem Razeek and Dillon de Silva tried to stretch the Maldives defence.
In the opening 15 minutes, the Lankans twice found themselves in promising positions inside the box, but poor finishing denied them the breakthrough.
Those missed opportunities proved costly. In the 28th minute, Maldives drew first blood through Naiz Hassan, who finished clinically off a header from a corner. The goal silenced the home crowd and forced the hosts onto the back foot.
Maldives Take Control
As the half wore on, the visitors grew in confidence. Their midfield trio dictated the tempo, moving the ball with precision and forcing Sri Lanka to defend deeper.
Despite some defiant saves from Sri Lanka’s captain and goalkeeper Sujan Perera, Maldives doubled their lead in the 35th minute. A slick counterattack down the right ended with Ibrahim Hussain slotting past Perera to make it 2–0, leaving the home side deflated heading into half-time.
Half Time: Sri Lanka 0 – 2 Maldives
Sri Lanka returned from the break determined to find a way back, with coach Almutairi urging his side to press higher. Substitutions, which included a debut for Zahi Addis injected fresh hope – but the Maldives defence, marshalled by captain Samooh Ali held firm.
Sri Lanka got a penalty in the 61st minute after Mohamed Irufan handled the ball inside the box, but Durrant struck his effort wide of the target.
Youngster Creates History
The defining moment of the second half came late on, when Maldives head coach Siyaz introduced 16-year-old sensation Mohamed Ilan Imran in the 89th minute. Within seconds of his debut, the teenager left his mark – first earning a yellow card for an overzealous tackle, then immediately setting up Ali Fasir for Maldives’ third goal in stoppage time.
The assist made Imran the youngest-ever player to debut and directly contribute for the Maldivian national team, a record that sent the visiting supporters into raptures.
READ MORE
- Sri Lanka & Maldives vie for 1st ever South Asian Super Cup 2025
- History repeats itself as underdogs defy odds once again
- Java Lane down Moragasmulla in a thriller; Saunders get the win
- New Star & Red Stars beat Blue Star & Renown
Sri Lanka’s Frustrations
For Sri Lanka, the 3–0 defeat was a sobering reminder of the work still needed to compete consistently at regional level. Despite flashes of creativity, especially from Durrant, Razeek and Dillon de Silva, the Lions struggled with composure in the final third. Defensive lapses also proved costly, as the Maldivians ruthlessly punished every mistake.
Head coach Almutairi admitted afterwards that his side “lacked sharpness in both boxes” but stressed that the Super Cup is part of a longer rebuilding journey. “We are testing a new system, new players. The result hurts, but the bigger picture is preparing Sri Lanka to be competitive again in South Asia,” he told reporters.
Maldives’ Statement of Intent
For Maldives, the victory was not just about bragging rights but about laying down a marker. The Red Snappers, two-time SAFF champions, showed the blend of experience and youth that makes them one of the region’s most consistent sides. With clinical finishing, disciplined defending, and the emergence of new talent, the team looked every bit a regional powerhouse.
Coach Siyaz praised his team’s composure: “We knew Sri Lanka would come hard at us in the opening minutes. But once we settled, our quality showed. I’m especially proud of Ilan Imran – he represents the future of Maldivian football.”
Match Summary
Goal Scorers
Maldives: Naiz Hassan 28’, Ibrahim Hussain 35’ & Ali Fasir (90+2’)
>>Click Here for more Football News <<
