Shillong debuts as international football venue, India defeat Maldives 3-0 in friendly

Shillong, March 19: Excitement filled the air in Meghalaya’s capital as all roads led to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for a historic FIFA international friendly between India and Maldives. The match marked Shillong’s debut as India’s newest international football venue, drawing thousands of passionate fans eager to witness the action.

Fans came out in large numbers, many expressing their support for Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, who made a much-anticipated return from international retirement. “We are here for Sunil Chhetri. He had retired, but now he’s back for the country, and we are always here to support him,” said a fan wearing the Indian jersey.

Another supporter carrying the national flag added, “We want India to win, and seeing them victorious in Shillong would be a dream.”

The spotlight was firmly on the Blue Tigers, who used this match as a crucial preparation for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India is set to face Bangladesh again in Shillong on March 25, making this friendly an important test.

India delivered a commanding 3-0 win, marking their first international football victory in 489 days. Defender Rahul Bheke opened the scoring with a header in the 35th minute, putting India ahead in front of an electrified crowd. The lead doubled in the 66th minute when forward Liston Colaco found the back of the net. The moment of the night, however, belonged to Sunil Chhetri, who scored in the 76th minute, sealing a 3-0 victory for India and registering his 95th international goal.

After the match, Indian head coach Manolo Márquez Roca said the team delivered strongly. On the AFC Cup 2017 qualifier where Bangladesh is set to field their star midfielder, Hamza Choudhury, one of Southeast Asia’s most expensive footballers, Roca acknowledged that Choudhury has lot of experience but he is just one player in the team, and football in a team game. He said the match will be tough but India will continue to do what they have been doing and hopefully win.

Choudhury, who has played in the English Premier League (EPL) and represented England at the U-21 level, will be a key player to watch as India prepares for another crucial encounter.

Also Read: Back from retirement to score goal number 95; the Sunil Chhetri story continues

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