Ali Thameem
Maldives National Futsal Team has won a massive 7-1 victory over Pakistan on the opening fixture of SAFF Futsal Championship 2026.
Maldives were quick to take the lead, with debutant Ahmed Hameed (Ammdey) tapping in after a shot from Ishan Ibrahim was deflected. Maldives widened the gap to three goals within minutes, with strikes from Ali Shiyah and Mohamed Imran.
The fourth goal was scored by Maldives goalkeeper Zaidhan Ahmed, who, upon making a save, drop-kicked the ball into the Pakistan goal from inside his area, as the Pakistan goalkeeper was way out of his line.
With a fifth goall, scored by Ali Shamaal Abdhullah, the half-time score stood 5-0.
Captain Imran made it 6-0 in the second half, before Pakistan scored a consolation goal via a strike from Meesaar Hussain.
Maldives scored the seventh and final goal of the game with a strike from Abdhullah Shafiu.
The inaugural championship kicked off earlier today, as two of the games ended in a draw. Sri Lanka versus Bhutan ended in a 3-3 draw, which was followed by a 4-4 draw between India and Bangladesh.
With the rest of the rivals in stalemate, and with the massive goal advantage over Pakistan, It was the best possible start to the championship for Maldives.
The next fixture is scheduled for Friday, as Maldives take on Bangladesh at 06:00PM in the evening.
