India lose to Maldives in SAFF Cup final

India’s hopes of winning a record eighth SAFF Cup title were dashed on Saturday as they suffered a 1-2 defeat to the much lower-ranked Maldives in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The Maldives struck once in each half before India managed to pull one back through Sumeet Passi in added time. The late goal, however, came too late to change the outcome as the Maldivian defence held firm to secure the championship.

India, coached by Stephen Constantine, made an energetic start and looked the more threatening side in the opening stages. Despite keeping the pressure on the Maldives, the defending champions were caught off guard by a swift counter-attack in the 19th minute.

Naiz Hussain delivered a well-timed pass to Ibrahim Hussain, who made no mistake with the finish to put the Maldives ahead against the run of play. It was the first time India had fallen behind in the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018.

India immediately went in search of an equaliser but struggled to convert their chances. Ashique produced a low cross from the left for Farukh, who could not finish after losing his balance.

India came close again from the resulting corner when Subhasish rose to meet the delivery, but Maldives goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal punched the ball away from danger.

A minute later, Manvir Singh, who had been the tournament's leading scorer, found himself with another opportunity, but his effort struck the side-netting. India went into half-time trailing 0-1.

The Maldives then delivered another blow in the 68th minute. Hamzath Mohamed raced past the Indian defence during another counter-attack before finding Ali Fasir, who finished the move to double the lead and put the Maldives within sight of the title.

India continued to press and came close to reducing the deficit in the 79th minute. Hitesh sent in a dangerous corner that left Subhasish unmarked, but the Indian skipper mistimed his attempt and the ball went out.

With the match entering stoppage time, Sumeet Passi finally gave India a lifeline. Nikhil delivered a cross from the right and Passi finished the move to make it 1-2.

India pushed forward in search of a dramatic equaliser, but Mohamed Faisal produced two more important saves to protect the Maldives' lead.

The result ended India's bid for a record eighth SAFF title, while the Maldives completed a memorable victory by holding off the defending champions in the final.