SAFF Championship a Golden Opportunity for Maldives, Says Star Player Aisham

Ahmed Aisham (Pato), the reigning Best Football Player of the Maldives, has called the SAFF Championship a major opportunity for the national team to gain regional recognition, stating that the entire squad is determined to make the most of it. Maldives are set to play their opening match of the tournament today against Pakistan at 2:30 PM local time. Aisham noted that with around 11 players making their SAFF debut, the team feels no pressure and is taking a match-by-match approach, starting with the Pakistan clash. Although included in the 2023 squad, Aisham did not get to play in that edition. He stressed that the burden of expectation should not fall on him alone, describing football as a team game where both young and senior players share responsibility. Aisham also acknowledged the challenges of recent long tours and preparation matches abroad, but said the experience has been highly beneficial for the team.