Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal has made a comeback to the Maldives National Football Team, ending a two-year absence from international duty.
Head coach Mohamed Shiyaz, widely known as Mohan, named Faisal in his 26-man squad for the upcoming South Asian Super Cup matches against Sri Lanka, set to take place on September 6 and 9 in Colombo.
Now 37, Faisal was last seen in national colors in early 2023, prior to that year’s SAFF Championship. He underwent surgery following an injury that kept him sidelined, but has since returned to competitive football with top-tier club Buru Sports Club. A key figure in Maldivian football for over a decade, Faisal was named Best Player at the 2018 SAFF Championship and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Red Snappers as they gear up for crucial fixtures.
The squad selected for the Super Cup is a balanced blend of experienced internationals and promising new talent. Among the notable inclusions are 19-year-old midfielder Hassan Raaidh, who has impressed with the U19 national team, and teenage striker Ilan Imran from the U17 squad—both earning their first senior team call-ups.
Coach Mohan, highlighted that several injuries had opened up space for changes in the lineup. He emphasized that the selections are not just about the upcoming fixtures but also part of a long-term strategy ahead of the AFC qualifiers scheduled for October and November.
The team is set to depart for Colombo on September 4.
Maldives squad to face Sri Lanka
MOHAMED FAISAL
SAMOOH ALI
HUSSAIN SIFAAU YOUSUF
MOHAMED IRUFAAN
ALI FASIR
IBRAHIM AISAM
NAIZ HASSAN
HAMZA MOHAMED
HASSAN RAIF AHMED
HAISHAM HASSAN
AHMED AIHAM
HASSAN NAZEEM
IYAN ABDUL ALEEM
HASSAN SHIFAZ
IBRAHIM USAMAA HASSAN MAJEEDH
HASSAN EENAZ
IBRAHIM MAHUDHEE HUSSAIN
HUSSAIN NIHAAN
MOHAMED NAIM
AHMED RIZUVAN
AHMED AIHAM
HISHAM SALEEM
MOHAMED YAAMEEN
AHZAM RASHEED
MOHAMED ILAN IMRAN
HASSAN RAAIDH
