News
Afghanistan Coach Downplays Favorites Tag Ahead of Diamond Jubilee Tournament
Afghanistan national team head coach José Antonio Noguera has downplayed suggestions that his side are among the favourites to win the Diamond Jubilee Tournament, insisting that reaching the final itself will be a difficult challenge.
Speaking ahead of the tournament in Maldives, Noguera said it is hard to identify clear favourites, pointing to the strength of the competing teams, including hosts Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“Difficult to say that we are favourites of the tournament. Pakistan, Bangladesh, I’m not sure how Bangladesh are at the moment. To be in the final will be difficult for us,” – Noguera –
Despite refusing to place Afghanistan among the leading contenders, the Spanish coach emphasized that his team has arrived with ambition and a strong desire to compete for the title.
“We are trying to be what you ask me. Sometimes we need to put responsibility on ourselves, but you need to have the responsibility as a guest, coming with an illusion, coming with a dream to get the championship for all,” he added.
Noguera also highlighted the importance of the Diamond Jubilee Tournament as part of Afghanistan’s preparations for future competitions, describing the matches as valuable opportunities for his players.
“For us, we know what we are doing. These games are very good for us to prepare,” he said.
Afghanistan are one of four teams participating in the Diamond Jubilee Tournament alongside Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The competition marks a special celebration of Maldivian football and is expected to provide fans with a series of highly competitive international matches.
News
TC Sports Cruise Past Dhidhdhoo with Convincing 3-0 Victory
TC Sports produced an impressive display to defeat Dhidhdhoo 3-0 in the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27, securing an important three points and strengthening their position in the competition.
From the opening whistle, TC Sports looked the more dangerous side, controlling possession and creating several promising opportunities in the attacking third. Their pressure eventually paid off as they found the breakthrough, giving them a deserved lead and setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
Dhidhdhoo attempted to respond and searched for an equaliser, but TC Sports remained organised at the back and limited their opponents’ chances. The midfield battle was largely dominated by TC Sports, who continued to dictate the tempo and move the ball effectively.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with TC Sports maintaining their attacking intent. Their persistence was rewarded with a second goal that provided breathing space and put Dhidhdhoo under further pressure. As the match progressed, TC Sports continued to threaten and eventually added a third goal to seal a comprehensive victory.
At the final whistle, TC Sports emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners, capping off a strong all-round performance at both ends of the pitch. The result gives them valuable momentum as the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27 continue, while Dhidhdhoo will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
News
Maldives Slip One Place in Latest FIFA Rankings, Remain Ahead of Regional Rivals
The Maldives national football team has dropped one place in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, moving from 172nd in April 2026 to 173rd in the June 2026 rankings.
The latest rankings were released ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, reflecting international results from recent months.
Despite the slight decline, the Maldives continue to maintain a higher ranking than several South Asian rivals. Bangladesh currently occupy 181st place, while Pakistan, fresh from winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament held in Malé, have climbed from 202nd in April to 198th in June.
Within the South Asian region, India remain the highest-ranked nation at 138th in the world, continuing their position as the region’s football powerhouse. Afghanistan are ranked 169th, placing them just ahead of the Maldives.
The rankings underline the competitive nature of South Asian football, with several nations making gradual progress on the international stage. Pakistan’s rise follows an impressive run in the Diamond Jubilee tournament, while Bangladesh continue to hold a position within the world’s top 200 teams.
For the Maldives, the latest ranking serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining positive results in international fixtures as the national team prepares for upcoming regional competitions. A strong showing in future tournaments could help the Red Snappers regain lost ground and climb back up the FIFA ladder.
SAFF Region – FIFA Rankings (June 2026)
- India – 138
- Maldives – 173
- Nepal – 177
- Bangladesh – 181
- Bhutan – 186
- Sri Lanka – 191
- Pakitan 198
Nepal remain one of the Maldives’ closest competitors in the regional standings, occupying 177th place in the latest FIFA rankings. Bhutan are ranked 186th, while Sri Lanka sit in 191st position after recent improvements in their international performances. Pakistan, despite winning the Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in Malé, remain 198th in the world, although they have climbed four places since April.
News
Gadhdhoo Edge Huraa 2-1 to Boost DPL Qualification Hopes
Gadhdhoo secured an important 2-1 victory over Huraa in the DPL Qualifiers 2026/27, strengthening their hopes of progressing from the qualification stage after a hard-fought encounter.
The match began at a lively pace, with both sides looking to take control early on. Huraa enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to dictate the tempo, but Gadhdhoo remained organized and dangerous on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came in the first half when Gadhdhoo capitalized on a defensive lapse to open the scoring. The goal gave them confidence and forced Huraa to push forward in search of an equalizer.
Huraa responded positively and created several opportunities, eventually finding the back of the net to bring the match level. The equalizer energized the contest and set up an exciting second half with both teams chasing a winning goal.
As the game entered its decisive stages, Gadhdhoo showed greater efficiency in front of goal. A well-worked attacking move resulted in their second goal of the evening, restoring their advantage and putting Huraa under pressure.
Despite late efforts from Huraa to salvage a point, Gadhdhoo’s defense stood firm. The final whistle confirmed a valuable 2-1 victory for the island side, earning them three crucial points in their DPL Qualifiers campaign.
The result leaves Gadhdhoo in a strong position as the competition progresses, while Huraa will look to bounce back in their remaining fixtures. With qualification spots at stake, every point remains vital in the race for promotion to the Dhivehi Premier League.
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