Shillong: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong witnessed a historic moment as the Indian men’s national football team secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Maldives in a FIFA international friendly.
This marked Shillong’s inaugural hosting of a senior men’s international match, a testament to the region’s burgeoning football infrastructure and fervent fan base. The evening was a spectacle of skill and passion, providing a memorable experience for all in attendance.
Sunil Chhetri, returning to the national team after a 286-day hiatus, made his 152nd appearance and etched his name onto the scoresheet with his 95th international goal. The stadium buzzed with anticipation from the opening whistle, with Chhetri nearly orchestrating a goal in the first minute, setting the tone for India’s dominance. The match also delivered a significant milestone for coach Manolo Marquez, who celebrated his first win since taking charge of the Blue Tigers, and the team’s first victory in 489 days.
The first half saw Rahul Bheke break the deadlock in the 34th minute, heading home a precise delivery from Brandon Fernandes. However, Fernandes’s evening was marred by a severe injury, forcing him off the field and casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming crucial qualifier. Liston Colaco doubled India’s advantage in the 66th minute, heading in a corner from Mahesh Singh. Ten minutes later, Mahesh once again played a pivotal role, setting up Chhetri for the third goal, sealing a comfortable win.
The stadium resonated with cheers and applause as dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Shakliar Warjri, and President of the Meghalaya Football Association, Shri Hamletson Dohling, greeted the players and officials before the match. This friendly served as crucial preparation for India’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh, scheduled for March 25th at the same venue. Maldives, too, utilized this match to fine-tune their strategy ahead of their qualifier against the Philippines on the same date.
The victory extended India’s head-to-head record against Maldives to 13 wins in 19 encounters, with Maldives securing three wins and three matches ending in draws. This encounter was the first since India’s 3-1 victory in the 2021 SAFF Championship. In the 82nd minute, Chhetri was substituted for Irfan Yadwad, receiving a hero’s farewell as India maintained control until the final whistle.