Mar 19, 2025 09:15 PM IST
It was India’s first win after 16 months
Indian soccer icon Sunil Chhetri, on Wednesday, made an emotional return to the nationwide aspect as he scored a surprising objective within the crew’s 3-0 win in opposition to Maldives in a world pleasant on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
India beat Maldives 3-0 in a pleasant match in Shillong
Chhetri hung his boots in June 2024, after that includes within the World Cup qualifier in opposition to Kuwait, in entrance of almost 59,000 followers in Kolkata. Nevertheless, he reversed his determination on March 8, as he introduced his worldwide return with India concentrating on the Asian Cup in 2027.
Chhetri discovered the again of the web within the 76th minute of the sport when Liston Colaco pinged a stunning cross into the close to put up. The 40-year-old, in one other glimpse of his class, ran in entrance of his markers and glanced a header previous the goalkeeper. It was his ninety fifth profession objective as he consolidated himself because the fourth-highest males’s worldwide goalscorer of all time.
The legend didn’t have a good time. Chhetri simply regarded as much as the heavens after which closed his eyes earlier than being congratulated by his teammates. The India captain, taking part in his first match in 9 months, was seen preventing again tears after the emotional objective. He was substituted shortly after.
India’s first win beneath Manolo Marquez
Within the match billed as a gown rehearsal for the all-important AFC Asian Cup qualifier in opposition to Bangladesh on the identical venue in lower than every week’s time, Marquez performed his playing cards proper as India secured a snug 3-0 win. It was India’s first win after 16 months and the primary beneath Marquez, who was appointed final yr in July. India’s final win was in opposition to Kuwait (1-0) of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying spherical match in Kuwait Metropolis on November 16, 2023. Earlier than Wednesday, India beneath Marquez misplaced as soon as and drew thrice.
Rahul Bheke broke the impasse within the thirty fourth minute with a thunderous header in opposition to a cross from Brandon as India drew first blood. Colcao then made it 2-0 as he transformed the nook from Mahesh within the 66th minute, which was adopted by a ‘Siuu’ celebration.
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