The Indian football team is currently facing the Maldives in a thrilling friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. At half-time, India is leading 1-0, thanks to a brilliant header from Rahul Bheke in the 35th minute, which came from a perfectly executed corner kick. Sadly, an injury to Brandon Fernandez shortly after the goal forced him to leave the field on a stretcher.
This match marks a significant moment for India’s Blue Tigers, as it is their first-ever game in Shillong. It also signals Sunil Chhetri’s return to the national team after a nine-month hiatus. Chhetri had initially announced his retirement after a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait but decided to rejoin the squad during this critical phase. Indian coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the importance of having Chhetri back, especially with the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
The team is hoping to regain confidence and form before their next big challenge—facing Bangladesh on home ground. After 489 days without a win, this match against the Maldives is crucial for boosting their morale.
Historically, India has had the upper hand against the Maldives, winning 14 of their last 16 encounters. This track record provides an extra layer of hope for the team and their fans.
Here’s how both teams lined up:
- India’s Starting XI: Kaith (GK), Bheke, Bose, Mehtab, Colaco, Suresh, Brandon, Ayush Chhetri, Mahesh, Valpuia, Sunil Chhetri
- Maldives’ Starting XI: Shareef (GK), Samooh Ali, Ahmed Numan, Yoosuf, Hassan, Aiham, Ibrahim, Hussaina, Naim, Hamza, Ali Fasir
The match is not just about scores; it’s a chance for the players to connect with fans in Shillong, a state passionate about football. As they strive for victory, player reactions on social media have been upbeat, with fans showing strong support for Chhetri’s comeback. The buzz online reflects the excitement around not just this match, but the future of Indian football.
As the game continues, all eyes are on the Blue Tigers to secure their first win in nearly a year and a half.
For live updates and more details, you can visit the official match coverage on FIFA’s website.
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