Tajikistan achieved a 3-0 win over the Maldives today in the AFC Asian Cup qualifying match held in Malé.

This outcome comes after the first leg match held last Thursday in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where the home team also triumphed with a score of 2-0.

This match marked the first home game for the Maldivian national team in two years, with their last home match having occurred on October 13, 2023.

Tajikistan gained an early advantage in the match, watched by more than 3,000 supporters from the Maldives, while the home team found it difficult to get into the rhythm of the game.

The initial two goals netted by Tajikistan came from mistakes in defense by the Maldives.

In the 4th minute, Manuchekhr Safarov (Manu) of Tajikistan netted a goal by being quicker than the Maldivian defenders after a penalty was saved by Maldivian goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal, converting the rebound into the net.

The penalty, given after the ball hit Mohamed Irufan’s hand in the area, was first missed by Parvizdzhon Umarbayev, whose attempt was saved by goalkeeper Faisal. Manu quickly entered the area and scored from the rebound before any Maldivian player could remove it.

The Maldivian squad succeeded in generating several opportunities during the first half. The greatest chance came to midfielder Ahmed Aiham, who pushed forward on a counter-attack while facing pressure from four Tajikistan defenders. Even though he succeeded in taking a shot without allowing the defenders to intervene, the ball went wide of the goal.

Previously, Ibrahim Mahudhy Hussain (Feydhoo Ibbe) was granted a chance as well, but he also could not aim his shot on target.

Another chance saw a cross by Hassan Raif Ahmed (Hanna) into the box deflected by the tall Tajikistan goalkeeper, Oleg Baklov. The rebound fell to Naaiz Hassan (Dhadu), but he could not send the ball cleanly into the goal.

Tajikistan's second goal, scored by Shervoni Mabatshoyev, came while Maldivian defenders were close to him. Despite the proximity of the defenders, they were unable to stop his strike, and he easily shot the ball into the goal.

In the second half, Maldivian midfielder Aiham got another good opportunity. From a ball played by Feydhoo Ibbe from midfield, Aiham pushed forward, settled the ball, and shot, but it sailed high over the crossbar.

Tajikistan's third goal was also scored by Shervoni Mabatshoyev on a counter-attack, capitalizing on a moment when the Maldivian players were pushed forward. He advanced with the ball, maneuvering past Irfan near the penalty area. Irfan even attempted a tackle, but Mabatshoyev evaded it and found the back of the net.

In the 79th minute, Maldivian coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) completely changed the forward line, bringing on experienced players Ali Fasir (Sente), Ahmed Rizuvan (Rizey), and 16-year-old Ilaan Imran. Tajik goalkeeper Baklov had a challenging save only twice, both originating from attacks involving Sente.

Sente's first attempt was from a free-kick taken outside the area, near the corner, which he aimed for the top corner of the goal. Keeper Baklov managed to block the ball out for a corner.

Following that, a cross by Sente was headed by a Maldivian player, forcing Baklov into another difficult save, once again pushing the ball out for a corner.

With this win, Tajikistan has secured 10 points in the group. The other teams in this group are the Philippines and Timor-Leste. The Maldives remains the only team among the four yet to secure a point.

Maldives' next match is scheduled for the 18th of next month, where they will face the Philippines in Malé.