India displayed remarkable dominance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday, defeating Maldives 3-0 in a FIFA International Friendly. The Blue Tigers led 1-0 at halftime, as per the AIFF Media Team.
Seasoned defender Rahul Bheke (34′) and Player of the Match Liston Colaco (66′) scored the first two goals for India with strong headers off corner kicks that left no chance for the Maldives’ defense.
The biggest cheers were reserved for skipper Sunil Chhetri, who scored his 95th international goal when he guided a Colaco cross from the left into the net with a swift header in the 76th minute.
The victory ended India’s 15-month-long international winless streak and marked their first triumph under Spanish coach Manolo Márquez. India will now face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the same venue on March 25.
The excitement at the JN Stadium, which was hosting a senior men’s international match for the first time, was evident from the beginning. Legendary striker Chhetri made his return to the national team after 286 days to play his 152nd international match. The crowd was on its feet in the very first minute when Chhetri created a move that nearly resulted in a goal.
His cross from the left into the goalmouth was precise, and a defensive error made things easier for India as the ball dropped free near the six-yard box. However, Naorem Mahesh Singh failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
The Indian captain was at it again in the 14th minute. His delicate header off a free kick from the left traveled across the Maldives goalmouth invitingly, but none of India’s forwards managed to connect.
India’s dominance was never in question. With Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Brandon Fernandes leading the attack, the Blue Tigers tightened their grip around the Maldives’ defense. However, the breakthrough remained elusive for a while.
Credit must be given to the Maldives defenders, who managed to close down spaces effectively and clear the ball quickly, even if some of their clearances were hasty and desperate. In the 25th minute, a powerful strike from Colaco was on target, but Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Shareef displayed remarkable agility to thwart the attempt.
Shareef, however, was left helpless in the 35th minute when Brandon’s corner from the left was met with a powerful header by Bheke, which rocketed into the net like a bullet.
From that point, Maldives gradually faded from the game, allowing India to take full control in the second half. After a series of missed chances, Colaco scored his first international goal in the 66th minute, heading in a well-placed corner from Mahesh Singh.
Chhetri sealed the match in the 76th minute with another perfectly angled header.
In the 82nd minute, Manolo Márquez substituted his star striker, bringing on Irfan Yadwad. As Chhetri stepped off the field to a hero’s welcome, India maintained firm control over the match, comfortably seeing out the rest of the game.
-ANI
