Sunil Chhetri celebrates after scoring for India in opposition to Maldives© X (Twitter)
The talismanic Sunil Chhetri scored on his worldwide comeback to guide India to a commanding 3-0 victory over Maldives in a soccer pleasant on Wednesday, serving to the house facet snap their 12-match winless streak that began in November 2023. Rahul Bheke gave India the lead within the thirty fifth minute earlier than Liston Colaco made it 2-0 within the 66th minute. The 40-year-old Chhetri, who returned to the nationwide staff after hanging his boots in May final 12 months, made it a memorable day as he scored India’s third with a glancing header within the 77th minute for his ninety fifth worldwide aim. Captain Chhetri, who was denied by the Maldives goalkeeper within the forty seventh minute, was substituted within the 82nd minute.
95TH GOAL FOR SUNIL CHHETRI
INDIA 3-0 MALDIVES
India is completely dominating the Gameplay
pic.twitter.com/BYa69h1Cbl
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) March 19, 2025
This was India’s first win in 16 months and likewise first beneath Manolo Marquez who was made the top coach in July final 12 months. India’s final win was in opposition to Kuwait (1-0) of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying spherical match in Kuwait City on November 16, 2023.
Before Wednesday, India beneath Marquez misplaced as soon as and drew thrice.
The match served as a costume rehearsal for the all-important AFC Asian Cup qualifier in opposition to Bangladesh on the similar venue on March 25.
Chhetri got here out of his worldwide retirement earlier this month to assist the staff efficiently navigate the qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup, beginning with the March 25 conflict.
Maldives are ranked 162 on this planet, 36 locations beneath India (126).
This can be Shillong’s first worldwide match.
