The new national team coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) has stated that although this is not the easiest time for the national team, they want to win against Sri Lanka.

The two friendly matches that the Maldives will play in Sri Lanka next month are part of the South Asian Super Cup 2025 planned by that country. The tournament was initially planned to be held between four or three countries, but only the Maldives accepted the invitation. Therefore, now there will be only two matches.

These two matches will be held on the 6th and 9th of next month.

"We are currently preparing for the for the two matches with Lanka. Everyone knows the current state of Maldivian football, with no season played for a long time, the condition of the players is known. Now all clubs have started practicing. But it will take time. The hope for these two matches is to win both, despite all the difficulties and challenges, that's the main goal, and we are preparing to do that, God willing," Mohan said while speaking at yesterday's practice.

This time, when selecting the national squad, many senior players have injury issues. Therefore, the new coach Mohan faced challenges in squad selection and has given opportunities to many young players. This includes Mohamed Ilan Imran from Maziya Sports and Recreation, who is the youngest player ever selected for the national squad.

Mohan praised Ilan and said that every player is a potential player with a future. He also said that the opportunity for these players to train with national senior players would be a big improvement.

Mohan further said that it is important to include talented young players in the squad to prepare them for the national team.