Sunil Chhetri made a dream return to international football, scoring in India’s 3-0 victory over Maldives in a friendly match on Wednesday. This win ended India’s 12-match winless run, which had started in November 2023.
Defender Rahul Bheke opened the scoring in the 35th minute, followed by Liston Colaco doubling the lead in the 66th minute. The 40-year-old Chhetri sealed the victory in the 77th minute with a precise header, marking his 95th international goal. He had a chance earlier in the 47th minute but was denied by the Maldives goalkeeper. Chhetri was substituted in the 82nd minute, receiving a warm reception from the crowd.
This was India’s first win in 16 months and the first under head coach Manolo Marquez, who took charge in July last year. India’s last victory was a 1-0 win over Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier on November 16, 2023.
Before this match, Marquez’s India had recorded three draws and one loss. The game also served as preparation for India’s crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25 at the same venue.
Chhetri, who had retired from international football in May last year, decided to return earlier this month to help India in their Asian Cup qualification campaign.
Maldives, ranked 162nd in the world, were 36 places below India (126th). The match was also historic as it was the first international football game hosted in Shillong.
