In the last group stage match, the young Maldivian team faced up against Bhutan as the Red Snappers won 3-2 to seal their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship.

In the first group stage match held in Bhutan, the Maldives gave it their all in a 3-0 loss against Pakistan. Pakistan also won against Bhutan 2-1 as they qualified topping Group B and the Maldives qualified as the second-best team in the group.

The young Maldivian team will face up against the mighty India which topped their group, and Pakistan will face Bangladesh, the second-best team in group A.

In the match, the Maldives took the lead thanks to a wonder goal from Ilan as his volley went over the keeper and into the back of the net. Nearing the end of the first half, Bhutan took the lead from a goal by their captain, Sonum Doji. However, Maldives equalised in the added time of the first half. The Maldives took the lead and settled the game once and for all thanks to their captain, Ethan.