Baros Crowned Resort League 2026 North Male Zone Champions
Baros Maldives have been crowned Resort League 2026 North Male Zone Champions after defeating Bandos Maldives in a penalty shootout following a 2–2 draw in the Final on 3rd October 2026 at Bandos Maldives.
The repeat of the 2024 Final produced another memorable encounter between the two former champions. Bandos struck first, Baros turned the match around to take the lead, and a late equaliser from the hosts eventually sent the title decider to penalties.
Baros went on to win the shootout 4–3, securing their second North Male Zone title after previously lifting the trophy in 2022.
Bandos Strike First
Playing in front of their home support, Bandos made the breakthrough in the 16th minute through #31 Mohamed Ikraam, giving the five-time champions a 1–0 lead.
Baros responded in the second half, with #7 Mohamed Nazeeh finding the net in the 23rd minute to bring the match level at 1–1.
The 2022 champions then completed the turnaround in the 36th minute when #10 Mohamed Sahaau Ali scored to put Baros 2–1 ahead.
With the Final approaching its closing stages, Bandos found a way back. #18 Shaamih struck in the 39th minute, making it 2–2 and sending the championship to a penalty shootout.
Baros Hold Their Nerve from the Spot
Bandos were first from the spot, but #26 Maahee failed to convert. Baros immediately took advantage as #14 Mirsad scored their opening penalty.
#29 Muaan converted for Bandos before #21 Hassan Saleem responded for Baros. #97 Shayaan then scored for Bandos, while #7 Mohamed Nazeeh missed Baros' third attempt.
With the shootout finely balanced, #17 Reehaan missed for Bandos before #10 Mohamed Sahaau Ali converted for Baros.
#18 Shaamih scored Bandos' fifth penalty to keep the hosts in contention, leaving #17 Abdulla Lawsan with the opportunity to decide the championship.
Lawsan converted the decisive penalty, sealing a 4–3 shootout victory and a 6–5 overall result after penalties for Baros.
#10 Mohamed Sahaau Ali was named Man of the Match, having scored in normal time before also converting his penalty in the shootout.
Baros Reverse the 2024 Final
The victory carries particular significance after the same two teams contested the 2024 North Male Zone Final, when Bandos emerged as champions.
Two years later, Baros returned to the same stage and reversed that result to reclaim the North Male Zone crown.
The triumph gives Baros their second North Male Zone championship in five years, adding the 2026 title to their previous success in 2022.
For Bandos, the defeat ended their pursuit of a sixth title, having previously been crowned North Male Zone champions in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2024.
Individual Awards Presented at Closing Ceremony
Following the Final, the Resort League 2026 North Male Zone closing ceremony recognised the standout individual performers from this year's league.
Top Scorer
#11 Ali Saam — Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Best Five
#7 Mohamed Nazeeh — Baros Maldives
#31 Mohamed Ikraam — Bandos Maldives
#21 Hassan Saleem — Baros Maldives
#14 Mohamed Sunaiz — Bandos Maldives
#17 Abdulla Lawsan — Baros Maldives
Best Coach
Ahmed Murthala — Baros Maldives
Best Player
#7 Ahmed Shamaal — Bandos Maldives
Baros' championship-winning squad accounted for three places in the Best Five, while Ahmed Murthala received the Best Coach award. Despite Bandos narrowly missing out on the title, #7 Ahmed Shamaal was recognised as the Best Player of the Resort League 2026 North Male Zone.
Resort Super League Awaits
Winning the North Male Zone also earns Baros a place in the Resort Super League 2026, where they will face South Male Zone champions Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
Four years after winning their first title and two years after losing the Final to Bandos, Baros Maldives leave the 2026 North Male Zone as champions once again.