India vs Maldives Match Report: India Dominates Maldives 3-0 in Shillong as Chhetri Marks Return with a Goal

India vs Maldives Match Report: India’s national football team secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Maldives in an international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday, marking Manolo Márquez’s first win as head coach.

The Blue Tigers displayed an authoritative performance, scoring all three goals via headers, courtesy of Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and Sunil Chhetri.

Early Dominance and First Breakthrough

From the outset, India looked threatening, with Mahesh Singh nearly finding the net before a last-ditch tackle denied him. Brandon Fernandes also came close with a well-struck volley from the edge of the box. Liston Colaco, operating from the left flank, troubled the Maldives defence with his pace and trickery, though his final delivery initially lacked precision.

However, India’s persistent attacking pressure bore fruit in the 34th minute. A well-delivered corner from Brandon found an unmarked Rahul Bheke, who made no mistake in nodding the ball past the Maldivian goalkeeper.

Injury Blow and Colaco’s Landmark Goal

Despite India's ascendancy, they suffered a setback just before half-time when Brandon Fernandes had to be stretchered off in the 40th minute due to an injury. His replacement, Farukh Choudhary, took some time to settle into the game but made his presence felt in the second half.

India doubled their lead in the 66th minute through another set-piece. Mahesh's well-placed corner found Liston Colaco at the far post, and the winger executed a powerful header into the net. The goal, an unusual one for the usually fleet-footed attacker, was his first in Indian colours and solidified the Blue Tigers' control of the match.

Chhetri Caps His Return in Style

Sunil Chhetri, back in the national team fold, was eager to leave his mark. He came close in the 47th minute with a thunderous header that was cleared off the line. However, the Indian captain was not to be denied. In the 76th minute, Liston whipped in a teasing cross from the left after Farukh slipped while attempting to meet Mahesh's delivery. Chhetri timed his run perfectly to the near post and flicked his header into the net. It was a vintage finish, taking his international tally to 95 goals.

With a 3-0 lead, India managed the remainder of the match comfortably, ensuring a clean sheet and a morale-boosting victory.

With renewed confidence and a commanding performance behind them, India will now look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for a crucial qualifier on home soil.