Meghalaya: India to Face Maldives in Historic FIFA International Friendly in Shillong
Shillong, Meghalaya – The Indian senior men’s football team is set to take on Maldives in a FIFA international friendly today at the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Stadium in Shillong. The match, which kicks off at 7 pm, will be streamed live on JioHotstar and telecast on Star Sports 3.
This friendly holds significant importance for India coach Manolo Márquez’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. The fixture also marks a historic occasion for the Blue Tigers, as it is their first-ever match in Shillong, and Sunil Chhetri will return to international football for the first time since announcing his comeback.
The football scene in Shillong has seen a remarkable rise in the past year, with the state hosting prestigious events like the Durand Cup last summer, followed by three Indian Super League (ISL) games. These two international fixtures mark the culmination of these efforts, all of which were made possible due to the state government’s decision to convert the JN Stadium’s artificial turf to a natural surface, alongside the development of other key infrastructure like five-star hotels.
At today’s pre-match press conference, Márquez shared his excitement about playing in Shillong, stating, “It’s the first time we are playing here, but I’ve worked with many coaches and players from this region. I knew it’s a beautiful place. After watching the Durand Cup here last year, I said it would be fantastic if one day the national team could play here.”
Defender Mehtab Singh echoed these sentiments, adding, “The North East has a huge football fanbase. Football is the biggest sport here, and taking it to diverse regions is fantastic for Indian football.”
For Márquez, this friendly provides a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his squad ahead of the critical Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh next week. He emphasized the need for a strong showing, stating, “It’s a friendly to prepare for the qualifier. We want to win, but we’re focused on getting our team in the best possible shape for Bangladesh.”
Márquez confirmed that Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time top scorer, will feature in the match, marking his 152nd cap. “Sunil will definitely play some minutes,” Márquez said. “He is the top scorer for India this season, and we will use him as needed.”
Maldives, ranked 162nd in the world, will also use the match to prepare for their Asian Cup qualifier against the Philippines next Tuesday. Head coach Ali Suzain expressed his gratitude for the hospitality in Shillong and said, “India and Maldives are two strong teams in the region, and this match will be a great fight. We are ready to give our best for the people of Maldives.”
Both teams are looking to use this match to fine-tune their squads and ensure they are fully prepared for their respective qualifiers, promising an exciting encounter in the heart of Shillong.