Maldives won against Bhutan at SAFF Championship 2023.

The national team won 2-0 against Bhutan at Sri Kanteerava stadium on Thursday night with Hamza Mohamed (Hampu) and Naiz Hassan (Dhaadhu) scoring the winning goals for Maldives.

The national team maintained their winning streak against Bhutan in the past 10 matches the two countries played against each other. Maldives won the last match against Bhutan in 2018, securing a 7-0 win for Maldives.

The Maldives national athletics team and other Maldivians were at Sri Kanteerava stadium on Thursday night to cheer the national football team on during the match.

Maldives scored the first goal during the sixth minute in the first half, securing a lead over Bhutan with a penalty kick. Hampu, who was fouled in the penalty box took the penalty kick for Maldives, putting the team in the lead.

Although Maldives took lead early on in the first half, Bhutan dominated most of the first half, putting pressure on the Maldivian defense. National team keeper Hussain showed exceptional skill at defending Bhutan's shots at the goal.

Keeper Hussain replaced keeper Faisal following a knee injury to the latter. Both keepers represent Maziya Sports and Recreation Club.

The national team began the second half of the match with a few changes. As such, Hassan Raif Mohamed (Hanna) and Ali Fasir (Sentey) replaced Ibrahim Mahdi Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) and Ibrahim Waheed (Ibbe) for the second half. Additionally, Hampu and Ahmed Nooman were replaced by Dhaadhu and Hassan Shifaz (Dunga).

Second half proved challenging for the national team with Bhutan still continuing a strong attacking game. However, Bhutan failed to produce any goals from their shots, with keeper Hussain defending the goal well.

Maldives extended their lead over Bhutan at the 90th minute with a goal from Dhaadhu. Maldives ended the match with 10 players following a red card issued to Hanna.

The national team's next match will be against Bangladesh.