India set for crucial friendly against Maldives ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

by Chittu Shetty March 18, 2025

The Indian senior men’s football team is set to take on Maldives in a friendly match on March 19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

This match serves as a crucial preparatory fixture ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh on March 25.

The encounter against Maldives will be a historic occasion, marking the first time the Indian men’s national team will play an international match in the Meghalaya capital. The football-loving city, which recently hosted the Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time, is buzzing with anticipation as the Blue Tigers make their presence felt. Tickets for the fixture have already gone on sale, with an enthusiastic response from local fans.

India’s Preparation and Squad Updates

India, led by head coach Manolo Márquez, has been training in Shillong since their arrival on March 14. The team has undergone multiple training sessions and a gym workout to ensure they are in peak condition for the upcoming games. Márquez has emphasized the importance of this match in fine-tuning tactics and ensuring his squad is well-prepared for the Bangladesh qualifier.

The biggest talking point in the Indian camp has been the return of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri to the national team. The 40-year-old, who had initially stepped away from international football, has been recalled following a stellar season in the ISL, where he is currently the top Indian goalscorer with 12 goals. Márquez has cited India’s need for reliable goal-scorers as a key reason for Chhetri’s return, stating, “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results. Nothing else matters.”

Maldives have arrived in Shillong with a 22-member squad and will have two training sessions before facing India. Historically, Maldives have been a tricky opponent for India, and their playing style could provide a useful test ahead of the Bangladesh clash.

Rahul Bheke, who has faced both Maldives and Bangladesh in the past, believes the friendly will be beneficial. “I think Maldives will be a good test because they are a similar kind of side to what Bangladesh will be. We need to do our best and make sure we get the results in both matches.”

For India, all eyes will be on our attacking unit of Manvir, Chhetri and Brison, who will be looking to make an immediate impact in his international debut. Defenders Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke will be crucial in ensuring defensive solidity, while midfielders Brandon Fernandes and Sahal Abdul Samad will be expected to dictate the tempo.

With the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers around the corner, India will be keen to put in a dominant performance against Maldives and build momentum heading into the all-important match against Bangladesh. Shillong is set to witness an electric atmosphere as the Blue Tigers step onto the pitch for this historic game.

Kick-off for the India vs Maldives friendly is set for 7:00 PM IST on March 19, with fans eagerly awaiting the action-packed contest.

For fans looking to add more excitement to the match, platforms like Melbet offer various betting options to enhance the viewing experience.

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