The iconic Sunil Chhetri, renowned for his exceptional talent, made a remarkable return to international football by netting an important goal that propelled India to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly on Wednesday.
New Delhi: The iconic Sunil Chhetri, renowned for his exceptional talent, made a remarkable return to international football by netting an important goal that propelled India to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Maldives in a friendly on Wednesday. This win ended India’s 12-match winless run, which had lasted since November 2023.
The match began with Rahul Bheke giving India the lead in the 35th minute, followed by Liston Colaco doubling the advantage in the 66th minute. However, it was the 40-year-old Chhetri who stole the spotlight, scoring a brilliant glancing header in the 77th minute, which marked his 95th international goal and secured the victory for India.
Despite being denied by the Maldives goalkeeper earlier in the match, Captain Chhetri’s performance was exceptional. He was replaced in the 82nd minute, yet his influence on the game was undeniable.
This victory not only marked India’s first win in 16 months but also their first under head coach Manolo Marquez, who assumed the role in July of the previous year. Prior to this match, India had experienced one loss and three draws under Marquez’s guidance. The friendly match served as a vital preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
Chhetri’s decision to return from international retirement earlier this month proved to be a wise one, as he played a key part in guiding the team through the qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup. With the Maldives ranked 162nd globally, 36 places below India’s 126th spot, this victory showcased India’s strength on the international platform.
