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Afghanistan finalize squad for Maldives Diamond Jubilee Tournament

Afghanistan have finalized their squad for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament set to take place in the Maldives next month, with the Lions of Khorasan naming a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging young talent for the four-nation competition.

The squad includes several key figures of the national team, including Rahmat Akbari, Maziar Kouhyar, Jamshed Achakzai and Sahil Sarwari, as Afghanistan prepare to use the tournament as part of their build-up for future international assignments.

Several overseas-based and younger players have also earned places in the squad, reflecting the coaching staff’s intention to strike a balance between experience and youth while evaluating tactical options ahead of upcoming official competitions.

Officials from the Afghanistan Football Federation described the Maldives tournament as an important preparation opportunity for the national side, particularly in assessing player fitness, improving coordination and testing different tactical combinations in competitive match situations.

Afghanistan’s national team has increasingly relied on foreign-based players in recent years, with many members of the squad currently playing in leagues across Europe, Australia and Asia. Despite years of political instability and limited sporting infrastructure, football remains one of the country’s most followed and celebrated sports.

Nicknamed the Lions of Khorasan, Afghanistan have steadily grown their presence in regional football over the past decade. The nation’s greatest achievement came in 2013 when Afghanistan won the SAFF Championship, a historic triumph that remains a landmark moment in the country’s football history.

The Diamond Jubilee Tournament, scheduled to be held in the Maldives from 1 to 10 June, is expected to provide valuable international exposure for the participating teams while also strengthening sporting ties among South Asian nations. Regional football federations have increasingly emphasized the importance of regular international competitions as teams prepare for future continental and global qualifiers.

The tournament will feature Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

23 Member Afghanistan squad: Faisal Hamidi, Keyvan Motaqian, Ali Sina Hakimi, Musawar Ahadi, Mustafa Omarkhail, Ahmad Shakib Mehri, Omid Arzoo, Ali Raiz Muradi, Habibullah Askar, Naveed Mahboobi, Ali Reza Panahi, Elias Mansoor, Hamed Momand Rahmat Akbari, Jamshid Achakzai, Sahel Sarwari, Amin Nabizada, Omid Mousawi, Maziar Kouhyar, Omid Popalzay, Yaser Safi, Ramin Fazli and Mahboob Hanifi.

Related Topics:Afghanistan Diamond Jubilee Tournament

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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.

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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.

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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.