New Delhi: India’s national football team, the Blue Tigers, delivered a commanding 3-0 win over the Maldives in an international friendly match held in Shillong. Captain Sunil Chhetri, along with Rahul Bheke and Liston Colaco, found the back of the net to seal a comprehensive victory for India.
Goals Galore for Blue Tigers
India took an early lead, heading into the half-time break at 1-0, thanks to a well-executed corner routine finished by Rahul Bheke. Liston Colaco doubled the lead in the second half, converting another well-planned set-piece to put India in a dominant position.
The highlight of the match came in the 76th minute when veteran striker Sunil Chhetri added his name to the scoresheet. The Indian captain, renowned for his impeccable positioning, delivered a delicate feather-touch header from open play, further extending India’s lead and securing the victory.
Chhetri’s Return Boosts Indian Attack
The Blue Tigers have struggled with goal-scoring in recent matches, prompting head coach Manolo Marquez to bring Chhetri back from retirement ahead of India’s crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifying third-round match against Bangladesh on March 25. His presence and leadership on the field proved instrumental in India’s attacking prowess against the Maldives.
The victory not only boosted team morale but also provided much-needed preparation ahead of the crucial qualifiers. Chhetri’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital for India’s upcoming campaign.
Shillong Makes History as Host City
This match also marked a historic moment for Shillong, as it became the host of an international football match for the first time. The city’s passionate football fans witnessed an exciting display of skill and teamwork, reinforcing India’s growing football culture.
With this convincing win, India now shifts focus to their crucial clash against Bangladesh. The Blue Tigers will look to carry forward this momentum and build a strong campaign for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with Sunil Chhetri leading the charge in what could be one of his last international tournaments.