The Maldives national football team has claimed the South Asian Super Cup 2025 title after a convincing victory over Sri Lanka. This marks the country’s first international football trophy since winning the SAFF Championship in 2018 in India.
Originally, the tournament was set to feature four nations, but the final ultimately came down to a two-team showdown between Maldives and Sri Lanka. The championship was decided over a two-legged final, where Maldives displayed dominance and tactical strength.
The first leg, held on 6 September at Colombo’s Race Course Stadium, saw the Maldives team produce a commanding performance. They secured a 3-0 win, putting them in a strong position to lift the trophy.
The second leg, played on Tuesday evening, ended in a 1-1 draw. The result confirmed a 4-1 aggregate victory for the Maldives, sealing the championship with confidence and style.
Maldives started the second leg aggressively, creating three clear scoring opportunities within the opening 15 minutes. Sri Lanka, however, improved their defensive organization compared to the first match, making early breakthroughs more challenging for the Maldivian attack.
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute. A well-timed cross from Ali Fasir found Ibrahim Mahudhy, whose header was perfectly finished by Naiz Hassan to give the Maldives the lead. Sri Lanka managed to score a late equalizer, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
This victory signals a new chapter for Maldivian football. After a seven-year wait for international silverware, the national team has reignited hope among fans and strengthened its reputation in the region. Players and coaches alike celebrated the achievement as a testament to teamwork, skill, and determination.
The South Asian Super Cup 2025 triumph is likely to inspire young footballers across the Maldives and encourage further development in the sport nationwide. With this momentum, the Maldives national team now looks forward to future regional and international competitions with renewed confidence.
