Historic Victory Against India

In what will be remembered as one of the greatest nights in Maldivian football history, the national team defeated regional giant India 2-1 in an electrifying semifinal match played in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to qualify for the SAFF Championship final for the very first time.

Captain Ali Ashfaq opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a stunning long-range strike. India equalized through Sunil Chhetri in the 67th minute, setting up a nervy final 20 minutes. But substitute Ibrahim Waheed delivered the decisive blow, heading home a corner kick in the 89th minute to send the Maldivian players and thousands of fans watching back home into wild celebrations.

Head coach Carlos Pena said after the match: "These players have shown the heart of lions tonight. The entire Maldives can be proud." The team will face either Bangladesh or Nepal in Sunday final.