The Maldives national football team scored after only six minutes, a lead they would hold throughout the game in a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka in the SAFF Championship 2021.
Following a 1-0 loss to Nepal in the first game, Maldives has won two straight games in the SAFF Championship while preserving a clean sheet.
In the sixth minute of the game, experienced attacker Ali Ashfaq headed the ball into the corner from the Maldives’ opening attempt following a perfect delivery into the box from Haisham Hassan.
Throughout the game, Maldives created several clear-cut chances on the counterattack, including an effort at goal by Ibrahim Mahdhy and another late attempt by Ali Fasir from a free kick that struck the crossbar.
With its second victory of the tournament, Maldives has climbed to second place on the table with six points, keeping its prospects of reaching the final alive.