India ended their 15-month winless streak in emphatic fashion, defeating Maldives 3-0 in a FIFA International Friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Goals from Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and skipper Sunil Chhetri sealed a commanding victory for the Blue Tigers in front of an electrified home crowd.
This match also marked India’s first win under Spanish head coach Manolo Márquez. The Blue Tigers now turn their attention to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, where they will face Bangladesh at the same venue on March 25.
India Dictate Play from the Outset
From the first whistle, India showcased intent, pushing forward with relentless energy. Chhetri, making his 152nd appearance for the national side after a 286-day absence, wasted no time making an impact. In the opening minute, he sent a dangerous cross into the six-yard box, but Naorem Mahesh Singh couldn’t capitalize.
The Maldives defense, led by goalkeeper Hussain Shareef, held firm in the early exchanges. Shareef was called into action in the 25th minute when he made a fine save to deny a thunderous shot from Colaco. However, the visiting side’s resistance was broken in the 34th minute when Brandon Fernandes delivered a pinpoint corner that Bheke met with an unstoppable header to hand India the lead.
Liston Colaco Doubles the Advantage
India continued their dominance in the second half, with Mahesh and Colaco proving to be constant threats. In the 66th minute, Mahesh swung in a well-placed corner, and Colaco, unmarked inside the box, rose high to nod in his first international goal.
With India in control, Maldives struggled to get out of their own half, failing to create meaningful chances. Their first real attempt came in the 72nd minute when Hassan Nazeem fired a shot that was easily gathered by Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Chhetri’s Historic 95th Goal
Fourteen minutes from time, the moment that the packed stadium had been waiting for arrived. Colaco whipped in a precise cross from the left flank, and Chhetri met it with a clinical header that flew past Shareef. The strike extended Chhetri’s record as India’s all-time leading goal scorer and further cemented his legacy in international football.
The stadium erupted in celebration as Chhetri, who had worked tirelessly throughout the match, bowed out in the 82nd minute, receiving a standing ovation as he made way for young forward Irfan Yadwad.
Defensive Solidity and Late Flourishes
Despite their comfortable lead, India maintained discipline at the back, preventing any late resurgence from Maldives. Defender Subhasish Bose made way for debutant Abhishek Singh, while Ashique Kuruniyan and Apuia were also introduced to add fresh legs.
Mahesh came close to adding a fourth goal in the 86th minute, but Shareef pulled off another fine save to deny him. As the final whistle blew, India celebrated a convincing win that will boost their confidence ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers clash against Bangladesh on March 25.
The victory not only ended India’s long winless streak but also provided a glimpse into Manolo Márquez’s tactical approach. The Spanish coach emphasized fluid attacking play, pressing high up the pitch, and utilizing set-pieces effectively.
For now, Indian football fans can celebrate a well-deserved victory, one that saw their beloved captain Chhetri reach yet another historic landmark in his illustrious career.
Read More: How NorthEast United FC Turned It Around to Reach the ISL 2024/25 Playoffs Despite a Slow Start
