Sidibari
The Maldives U19 national football team staged an impressive second-half comeback to draw 2-2 against Bangladesh in their opening match of the 2025 SAFF U19 Championship, played this evening at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, India.
Bangladesh took control early with an aggressive high press that paid off in the 12th minute. Maldives lost possession near their defensive third, and Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal capitalized with a clinical strike from the edge of the box, beating the keeper at the near post.
Just before halftime, Bangladesh doubled their lead. Maldives failed to clear a loose ball following a corner, allowing Rifat Kazi to head home from close range in the 45th minute.
Maldives responded after the break with renewed energy. In the 57th minute, halftime substitute Anoof finished off a low cross from Nassah Ibrahim to cut the deficit in half.
The equalizer came in the 73rd minute. After narrowly missing a chance earlier, Ethan Zaki struck from the edge of the area with a powerful left-footed shot to level the score at 2-2.
Maldives are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and Bhutan. Their next match is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 May, against Bhutan. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM Maldives time.
Group B features India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The semifinals will be held on 16 May, with the final slated for 18 May.
