Male:India took a 1-0 lead over the Maldives at half-time in their second and final Group B match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium today. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute through a penalty kick.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, referee Manil Mohammed Al awarded the penalty after Maldives defender Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf fouled Abdul Rabeeh inside the penalty area. Suhail Ahmad Bhat successfully converted the penalty, sending the ball into the net.
India dominated the first half, creating several attacking opportunities and maintaining pressure on the Maldives' defense. Despite a couple of promising moments, the Maldives failed to pose any significant threat to the Indian goal. India had previously started their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan. A draw in the current match would secure the top spot for India in the group, while a victory would enhance their confidence for the knockout stage.
The Maldives now face a challenging second half to keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage alive. The starting XI for India included Priyansh Dubey (GK), C Singh Konsham (C), Sandip Mandi, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Ricky John Shabong, Macarton Louis Nickson, Brison Deuben, Abdul Rabeeh, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat. The Maldives starting XI featured Hussain Shareef (GK), Samooh Ali (C), Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, Ibrahim Aisam, Ahmed Aiham (1), Ahmed Aiham (2), Amdhan Ali, Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain, Hassan Eenaaz, Naiz Hassan, and Nisham Mohamed Rasheed.