Maldives secures Super Cup, ends 7-yr international trophy drought

Maldivian football has claimed an international trophy after a seven-year gap, clinching the South Asian Super Cup 2025 Championship.

The South Asian Super Cup, initially slated for four participating nations, ultimately culminated in a two-team final between Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Maldives' last international triumph was in 2018, when they lifted the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship hosted by India. This victory presents a crucial opportunity to reignite the spirit of Maldivian football, which has seen a decline since then.

In the first leg of the two-legged tournament held at Colombo's Race Course Stadium on September 6, Maldives decisively defeated Sri Lanka 3-0. The second leg on Tuesday evening concluded in a 1-1 draw, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory for Maldives.

Maldives created three clear scoring opportunities within the initial 15 minutes. However, unlike the first encounter, Sri Lanka's defensive line demonstrated improved solidity.

Maldives broke the deadlock in the 66th minute. Following a cross from Ali Fasir, Ibrahim Mahudhy's header was redirected into the net by Naiz Hassan.

Maldives found their equalizer in the dying moments of the match.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu extended his congratulations to the Maldivian team on their victory via a post on X, expressing his pride in the national team's triumph in the South Asian Super Cup.