Chhetri Returns, Scores as India Ends 489-Day Winless Streak
Sunil Chhetri scores on return as India beats Maldives 3-0, ending a 489-day winless streak. Head coach Manolo Marquez secures first victory.
image for illustrative purpose
Returning from international retirement, Sunil Chhetri made an immediate impact for India, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Maldives on Wednesday. The win, India's first in over a year, ended a 489-day drought and marked a successful start for new head coach Manolo Marquez.
Chhetri, who was persuaded by Marquez to rejoin the national squad, played until the 82nd minute and found the net in the 76th. Before his goal, Rahul Bheke opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a well-placed header from a Brandon Fernandes corner. Liston Colaco doubled the lead in the 66th, capitalizing on a defensive lapse following a corner by Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Marquez, securing his first win as India's head coach, guided the team past a five-match winless streak, which included two losses. India's previous international victory had come in 2023.
The first 30 minutes saw both teams struggling to create quality chances, resembling a practice match more than a competitive fixture. The deadlock was broken when Bheke’s header from Fernandes’ corner found the net, shifting the game’s momentum in India’s favor.
The game, India’s first-ever international fixture in Shillong, saw an official attendance of 6,798. The Meghalaya Football Association attributed the relatively low turnout to it being a weekday and a friendly match. However, expectations remain high for a larger crowd when India faces Bangladesh next Tuesday.
Chhetri, receiving vocal support from the stands, lived up to the fans’ expectations. Early in the second half, India nearly doubled the lead but was denied by Maldives' goal-line defense. In the 66th minute, Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Shareef made a crucial save with his leg, but the ensuing corner led to Colaco’s goal. His Cristiano Ronaldo-style celebration near the flag energized the crowd.
The defining moment arrived when Chhetri flicked a header past the Maldives defense in the 76th minute, assisted by Colaco. Maldives struggled to threaten India’s defense throughout the game, rarely advancing into the attacking third.
India’s next challenge will be against Bangladesh, where they hope to build on this momentum and further solidify their form under Marquez.
