GUWAHATI: India clinched a dominant 3-0 win against the Maldives in their international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya, on Wednesday, March 19. Sunil Chhetri made a memorable return to international football by scoring the final goal in the match.
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The Blue Tigers took the lead in the 35th minute when Rahul Bheke scored with a well-placed header. Liston Colaco doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, also with a header, before Chhetri sealed the victory in the 76th minute. This was Chhetri’s first match since reversing his retirement decision. The win provides India with strong momentum ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualification third-round opener against Bangladesh on March 25.
The match kicked off at 7:00 pm IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) in Shillong on March 19.
Goal Scorers:
- Rahul Bheke – 35'
- Liston Colaco – 66'
- Sunil Chhetri – 76'
India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
