Maldives crowned champions of South Asia
The 2-1 victory over India came a decade after the Red Snappers first lifted the SAFF title.
16 Sep 2018, 9:00 AM
The Maldives beat India 2-1 in the final of the SAFF Suzuki Cup on Saturday night to be crowned champions of South Asia for the second time.
Deft finishes from Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain and Ali Fasir in either half at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh saw the Maldives overcome the favourites and seven-time champions.
The Red Snappers absorbed Indian pressure, scored the second on a swift counter-attack, and resolutely defended the lead despite losing captain Akram Abdul Ghanee to injury. Goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal, who won the tournament’s most valuable player award, kept out a barrage of crosses.
A consolation goal from Indian substitute Sumeet Passi in injury time was too late to change the outcome.
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