Tajikistan secured a convincing 3–0 victory over the Maldives in the AFC Asian Cup qualification group stage match held today at the National Stadium in Malé. The result leaves the Maldives still without a point in the tournament.

Tajikistan took an early lead in the 4th minute after a rebound goal by Safarov Manuchehr, following a penalty saved by Maldivian goalkeeper Mohamed Faisal. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Mabatshoev converted after a deflected pass from Amirbek Juraboyev. Mabatshoev later sealed the win with his second goal in the 77th minute, capitalising on a defensive error.

Despite the scoreline, the Maldivian side showed moments of promise. Attacking players Hamza Mohamed and Naiz Hassan created several opportunities, while Ahmad Aiham came close with a long-range effort in the first half. Substitute Ali Fasir’s late free-kick and Mohamed Naeem’s strike were also denied by Tajikistan’s goalkeeper Oleg Baklov.

The match marked the Maldives’ return to the National Stadium after 733 days, their last home appearance being against Bangladesh in October 2023. The home crowd turned out in large numbers, offering strong support despite the defeat.

With this win, Tajikistan remain top of the group with 10 points from four matches, followed by the Philippines with eight. The Maldives, who previously lost 2–0 to Tajikistan in Hisor, are yet to earn a point, with matches against Timor-Leste and the Philippines still ahead.

The defeat is the fifth meeting between the two sides, with the Maldives’ best result against Tajikistan remaining a draw achieved in 2011.