Comeback man Chhetri scores on return as India blanks Maldives
The Hindu
India defeats Maldives 3-0 in FIFA friendly with Sunil Chhetri's return, boosting team morale for upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier.
India, inspired by the return of the talismanic Sunil Chhetri from retirement, put up a spirited performance to beat Maldives 3-0 in a FIFA international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday. Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco scored once each before Chhetri found his 95th international goal to help India return to winning ways after nearly 16 months (since it beat Kuwait 1-0 on November 16, 2023).
Chhetri’s presence seemed to bring about the desired transformation as India regained its attacking edge and found the lead in the 34th minute off a corner. The home side started the hunt right after the start and created at least three good opportunities before Bheke nodded home a Brandon Fernandes flag-kick to opening the tally.
India, which beat Maldives 3-1 in their last meeting in the SAFF championships on October 2021, continued to dominate and doubled the lead in the 66th minute from another set-piece situation. Colaco scored his first international goal when he headed in Naorem Mahesh Singh’s corner.
Chhetri produced his trademark finish with a flicked header in the 76th minute to help India complete its dominance.
This fetched Manolo Marquez his first win ever since he took over as the coach of the senior National men’s football team in the middle of last year. The result will also boost the spirit of the Indian side ahead of its 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier final round match against Bangladesh, which will be played at the same venue on March 25.
The result: India 3 (Bheke 34, Colaco 66, Chhetri 76) bt Maldives 0.
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