India secured a 1-0 victory over Maldives in their second SAFF Championship match, courtesy of Suhail Bhat’s penalty.

India won their second match in the SAFF Championship 2026 campaign. After beating arch rivals Pakistan, the Men in Blue beat Maldives 1-0. Though it was not the most convincing performance from the Blue Tigers, Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s first-half penalty made the change. Maldives had their chances and they made India work hard for the three points. For India, Goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey remained the key highlight, with some important saves when the visitors threatened to get back into the game.

Suhail Bhat Breaks The Deadlock

India looked eager to make an early impression. Suhail Bhat had two chances in the opening four minutes, both assisted by Abhishek Suryavanshi. India failed to find the back of the net, with the striker missing the target on both occasions.

Maldives gradually became stronger and started testing India’s defensive organisation. However, the opening goal came from a penalty in the 37th minute. Abdul Rabeeh was brought down inside the box by Hussain Sifaau, leaving the referee with little hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Suhail stepped up and sent the ball into the bottom-left corner. India had their lead, although the Maldives tried to respond before half-time. Ahmed Aiham tested Dubey from distance, but the Indian goalkeeper dealt with the effort.

Dubey Keeps India Ahead As Maldives Push

India made two changes at the break, introducing Irfan Yadwad and Manglenthang Kipgen. The substitutions were expected to add some energy going forward, but India struggled to turn their advantage into another goal.

The Maldives, meanwhile, became increasingly dangerous. Ibrahim Aisam forced Dubey into a save from outside the box, while Muzdhan Hassan also found the goalkeeper in his way after getting into a promising position.

India had opportunities of their own. Irfan headed over from a Khaiminthang Lhungdim cross, while Brison Fernandes and Ebindas Yesudasan also failed to make their chances count.

The final minutes were far from comfortable for India. Dubey produced another save in stoppage time, and Irfan saw his late attempt denied by Hussain Shareef at the other end.

There was no further breakthrough. India walked away with a 1-0 victory, but the performance will leave the coaching staff with a few things to work on before their next fixture.