The talismanic Sunil Chhetri scored on his worldwide comeback to guide India to a commanding 3-0 victory over Maldives in a soccer pleasant right here on Wednesday, serving to the house aspect snap their 12-match winless streak that began in November 2023.
Sunil Chhetri scored a purpose in his comeback recreation as India registered a 3-0 win.(X Picture/@IndianFootball)
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 group after hanging his boots in Might 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 purpose.
Captain Chhetri, who was denied by the Maldives goalkeeper within the forty seventh minute, was substituted by Irfan Yadwad within the 82nd minute. He made a comeback to the nationwide group after 286 days to play his 152nd match.
This was India’s first win in 16 months and in addition first underneath Manolo Marquez who was made the top coach in July final 12 months. India’s final win was towards Kuwait (1-0) of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying spherical match in Kuwait Metropolis on November 16, 2023.
Earlier than Wednesday, India underneath Marquez misplaced as soon as and drew thrice.
The match served as a gown rehearsal for the all-important AFC Asian Cup qualifier towards Bangladesh on the identical venue on March 25.
Chhetri got here out of his worldwide retirement earlier this month to assist the group 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).
That is additionally Shillong’s first worldwide match.
Curiously, all of India’s targets got here off headers. Bheke and Colaco scored off nook kicks. Chhetri related a wonderful cross from Colaco.
The group on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was almost on its ft within the very first minute when Chhetri created a transfer that might have fetched a purpose.
Chhetri’s cross from the left on the goalmouth was a gem and a defensive error made issues simpler for India because the ball dropped free close to the six-yard field. Naorem Mahesh Singh, nonetheless, didn’t seize the chance.
The Indian captain was at it once more within the 14th minute. His delicate header off a free kick from the left travelled throughout the Maldives goalmouth most invitingly, however none within the Indian ahead line may make the essential connection.
India’s domination was clear with Colaco, Mahesh and Brandon Fernandes within the thick of issues. The Blue Tigers tightened the noose in and across the Maldives defence. But, the breakthrough remained elusive until late within the first half.
The Maldives defenders had been additionally to be credited as they made fast clearances though some had been hasty and determined.
Within the twenty fifth minute, a Colaco pile driver was spot on course however Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Shareef displayed exceptional agility to thwart the try.
Shareef, nonetheless, was left clueless within the thirty fifth minute when Brandon’s nook from the left was met with a robust header by Bheke.
Thereafter, Maldives slowly pale away from the sport as India took over within the second half. After a sequence of missed possibilities, Colaco picked up his first worldwide purpose within the 66th minute when he headed in a Mahesh nook.
Chhetri lastly put the sport to mattress within the 77th minute with one other header that angularly entered the web.