Sidibari
Maziya Sports & Recreation’s long-awaited return to continental football ended in disappointment this evening, as they were beaten 4-0 by Kuwait’s Al Arabi SC in the AFC Challenge League 2025/26 Preliminary Stage at the Galolhu National Stadium.
This was the Maldivian champions’ first outing in the competition since its rebranding from the AFC President’s Cup to AFC Challenge League in 2024/25 season, in which a Maldivian club did not take part in. With no Dhivehi Premier League held in 2024, Maziya qualified for this year’s Challenge League as the Maldivian champions of 2023.
Al Arabi managed to dominate the game right from kick-off. Anayo Iwuala’s strike in the 3rd minute put the visitors in control early, before Fontaine Ngoy doubled their advantage with a low finish just before half-time. Christopher Powei’s solo effort in the 55th minute all but sealed the tie, and Hussain Mohsen’s late goal confirmed Al Arabi’s spot in the group stage.
Maziya had few clear opportunities, with their best chances coming late on: Naiz Hassan forcing a punch from goalkeeper Sulaiman Abdulghafoor, and substitute Luis Almedia testing him with a close-range header. The loss means Maziya exit the competition at the preliminary stage for the second straight season in which a Maldivian club has participated.
The playoff was part of an eighteen-club preliminary stage of the league. Both Maziya and Al Arabi were seeded into the West Region of the league.
