India registered a resounding 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday, marking the end of their 15-month international winless streak. The match was also historic as it was the first time Shillong hosted a senior men’s international fixture.
Seasoned defender Rahul Bheke opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a bullet header from a well-delivered Brandon Fernandes corner. Despite India’s dominant control in the first half, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
The second half saw a more clinical Indian side. Liston Colaco, who was later named ‘Player of the Match’, extended India’s lead in the 66th minute, scoring his first international goal with a perfectly timed header off a Naorem Mahesh Singh corner.
However, the biggest moment of the night came in the 76th minute, when Indian captain and legendary striker Sunil Chhetri netted his 95th international goal. The 39-year-old guided a Colaco cross from the left into the net with a swift header, sending the packed Shillong crowd into a frenzy. It was a fitting comeback for Chhetri, who returned to the national squad after 286 days to play his 152nd international match.
India, under new Spanish coach Manolo Marquez, looked more aggressive and composed, especially in the second half. With Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Brandon Fernandes orchestrating attacks, the Blue Tigers kept the Maldivian defense under constant pressure.
The visitors, who showed early resistance, faded away as India took firm control after halftime. In the 82nd minute, Marquez substituted Chhetri, allowing youngster Irfan Yadwad to gain international experience. Chhetri walked off to thunderous applause from the Shillong crowd, acknowledging the moment as he made way for the next generation.
The win gives India much-needed confidence ahead of their crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Bangladesh on March 25 at the same venue. With their international victory drought behind them, the Blue Tigers will be eager to build on this performance and continue their winning momentum.
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