Maldives U-15 World Cup Team Loses 8-0 to South Africa in Opener

The Maldives national under-15 football team suffered a heavy 8-0 defeat against South Africa in their opening match of the FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival, currently underway in Azerbaijan. The match, played on Sunday morning, saw South Africa take an early lead in the third minute through a goal by Kaelen Moses. Rutledge Fincher doubled the lead in the 8th minute. Mosimane scored South Africa's third goal in the 13th minute, followed by Mshishi's goal three minutes later to make it 4-0. Lesedi Halele added the fifth goal in the 22nd minute. Mshishi scored again for South Africa's sixth goal, Morena scored the seventh, and Saliva completed the scoring with the eighth goal. The Maldives will play two matches on Monday, facing France in the afternoon and Kosovo in the evening. The tournament is being used to provide valuable experience for young Maldivian players.