Top 3 Maldives players to watch out for against India in SAFF Championship 2026

Maldives are currently placed at the bottom of Group B

The Indian national team, who began their 2026 SAFF Championship title defence with a 3-2 win against Pakistan in their opening game, are now gearing up for their final group-stage fixture against the Maldives in Dhaka.

Although the Blue Tigers, led by Naushad Moosa, enjoyed a brilliant opening half-hour, scoring three goals and completely outplaying Pakistan, they suffered a late scare as the Falcons scored twice in stoppage time to come close to securing a draw.

Up next, India will face the Maldives, who lost their opening group-stage game against Pakistan 3-0 without scoring. If they want to qualify for the semi-finals, they must beat India at all costs, as even a draw would leave them at the bottom of Group B, three points behind India and two behind Pakistan.

As for India, even a draw would do the job, as they’ll move to the top of the table with four points.

Naushad Moosa has been dealt several major blows ahead of the game against the Maldives, with four players from the squad, including Tomba, who was set to join the team in Dhaka, called up for the New Zealand friendlies. Three Mumbai City FC players have also returned to their respective clubs.

Suresh Wangjam has picked up an injury, leaving Naushad Moosa with just 20 players to choose from for the remainder of the tournament.

While the fixture looks straightforward on paper, with India expected to secure an easy three points and dominate proceedings, let’s take a look at three Maldives players who could pose a major threat to the Blue Tigers, particularly their shaky defence.

Ibrahim Aisham

The defensive midfielder who keeps things ticking in the middle of the park for the Red Snappers is no stranger to Indian football. He scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the 2021 AFC Cup and registered an assist against Odisha FC in the 2023-24 edition of the same tournament.

Aisham is versatile and can be deployed as a number six, eight, or ten in midfield, although he started the game against Pakistan as a number six. He has made over 35 appearances for the Maldives national team and registered four goal contributions. This season, in the Dhivehi Premier League, he has scored twice and provided an assist.

Aisham is known for his defensive work rate and ability to win the ball back in midfield, combining it with his vision and composure on the ball to dictate the tempo. He can also occasionally push further forward and contribute with crucial goals, moving into a more advanced midfield role.

Also Read: India reshuffle SAFF Championship 2026 squad ahead of Maldives clash

Ibrahim Mahudhee

A player with over 45 appearances for the Maldives national team, Ibrahim Mahudhee is a decent goal threat for the Red Snappers, having scored six goals and registered three assists.

Mahudhee is a natural number ten who usually operates as a second striker behind the main forward or on the left wing. He makes good use of his direct running, pace and ability to take on defenders in tight spaces, particularly against teams that sit in a low block.

He is physically strong and has good hold-up play with his back to goal, qualities that could prove particularly useful against an Indian defence that looked shaky towards the end of the previous game.

Mahudhee has scored twice against Bengaluru FC and once against Chennai City FC in the AFC Cup.

Ali Fasir

Ali Fasir, one of the Maldives national team’s leading goalscorers and most-capped players, has made around 88 appearances and scored 18 goals for his country. One of those goals came against India in the final of the 2018 SAFF Championship, where the Blue Tigers fielded a largely U-23 side.

At 38 years of age, Ali Fasir is still going strong in the Dhivehi Premier League, having scored three goals and registered two assists in the five games he has played this season. He is known for his natural goalscoring instinct and clinical finishing in front of goal.

Fasir frequently moves between the left wing and the striker role to disrupt the opposition’s defensive structure and find space for himself and his teammates.

His movement inside the box makes him a threat, while his ability to contribute from set-pieces and other dead-ball situations adds another dimension to his game.

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