Ali Thameem
Maldives have defeated Timor-Leste in a late comeback at the very last group-stage fixture of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifications.
Following a goalless first half, the Maldives had to fight back after Timor-Leste scored in the 66th minute. The away team’s striker Alexandro Bakhito Lemos opened the scoring with a low strike, assisted by Paulo Domingos Freitas.
Fifteen minutes since falling behind, Urbanyi brought on Ali Ashfaq and Ali Fasir. Maldives equalized with a strike from Mohamed Irufan, with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
The winning goal came from the spot, as Ali Ashfaq, who had returned to the Red Snappers after 3 years and 10 days, won Maldives the penalty after one of Timo-Leste defenders brought him down inside the area. It was Ali Fasir who stepped up to fire in, and give Maldives its first home goal in the group stage.
The last time Maldives won a game at Galolhu National Stadium was at a friendly match against Bangladesh four years ago, when Ibrahim Mahudhee and Hassan Raaif scored for the Red Snappers on March 24, 2022.
Maldives had lost both of the previous home gamesin the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers; against Philippines and Tajikistan. All three of the Red Snappers’ games in the qualifications had resulted in defeats.
Maldives finishes the group stage in third place, as the three points from today helped the Red Snappers overtake Timor-Leste on goal difference. The group winner will be decided by the game between Philippines and Tajikistan in New Clark City tonight. Both are yet unbeaten with 13 points each. The winner will qualify for the 19th AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off next January in Saudi Arabia.
