Bheke, Liston, Chhetri shines as India breaks drought with 3-0 win over Maldives

by Chittu Shetty March 20, 2025

India ended their 15-month international winless streak with a resounding 3-0 victory over Maldives in a FIFA International Friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday.

The win, also marking Spanish coach Manolo Márquez’s first victory at the helm, provided a much-needed boost ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.  

The packed JN Stadium, hosting its first senior men’s international match, witnessed a dominant display from the Blue Tigers, punctuated by stellar performances from veteran defender Rahul Bheke, Player of the Match Liston Colaco, and captain Sunil Chhetri.  

Bheke opened the scoring in the 34th minute, heading home a powerful corner from Brandon Fernandes. Colaco doubled the lead in the 66th minute, mirroring Bheke’s feat with a strong header from a Naorem Mahesh Singh corner. The loudest cheers, however, were reserved for Chhetri, who sealed the victory in the 76th minute with a deft header from a Colaco cross, marking his 95th international goal.

Chhetri’s return to the national team after a 286-day absence, playing his 152nd match, ignited the Shillong crowd. He nearly set up an early goal in the first minute, delivering a pinpoint cross that Naorem Mahesh Singh failed to capitalize on. The Indian captain’s influence was evident throughout the first half, with his delicate header in the 14th minute narrowly missing a connection from an Indian forward.  

Despite India’s sustained pressure and creative play from Colaco, Mahesh Singh, and Fernandes, the Maldives defense held firm for a considerable period. Goalkeeper Hussain Shareef made a crucial save in the 25th minute, denying a powerful Colaco strike. However, Shareef was left helpless when Bheke’s header rifled into the net from Brandon Fernandes’ corner.  

In the second half, India maintained control, with Colaco and Chhetri adding to the scoreline. Coach Manolo Márquez substituted Chhetri in the 82nd minute, granting the legendary striker a hero’s farewell. India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, displaying a renewed confidence ahead of their upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Bangladesh at the same venue on March 25.

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