Sunil Chhetri scores on worldwide comeback as India beat Maldives 3-0 | Soccer Information – The Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri made a outstanding comeback to the nationwide crew after retiring from worldwide soccer in Might final yr. In a pleasant match in opposition to Maldives on Wednesday, Chhetri’s presence proved to be the catalyst for India’s commanding 3-0 victory, serving to the crew snap their 12-match winless streak that had continued since November 2023.
The match unfolded with Rahul Bheke giving India the lead within the thirty fifth minute, adopted by Liston Colaco extending the benefit to 2-0 within the 66th minute.
The 40-year-old Chhetri, who had returned to the nationwide crew, etched his identify within the scoresheet with a glancing header within the 77th minute, marking his ninety fifth worldwide aim.
Chhetri’s impression was evident as he narrowly missed a scoring alternative within the forty seventh minute, denied by the Maldives goalkeeper. He was ultimately substituted within the 82nd minute, having made a memorable contribution to the crew’s victory.

This triumph held significance because it marked India’s first win in 16 months and the primary beneath the steering of Manolo Marquez, who was appointed as the top coach in July final yr. India’s earlier victory got here in opposition to Kuwait (1-0) of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying spherical match in Kuwait Metropolis on November 16, 2023.
The pleasant match served as a costume rehearsal for India’s essential AFC Asian Cup qualifier in opposition to Bangladesh, scheduled for March 25 on the identical venue. Chhetri’s return to the nationwide crew was particularly aimed toward aiding the crew’s profitable navigation by way of the qualifiers.
With Maldives ranked 162nd on the earth, 36 locations beneath India (126th), the match offered a chance for the Indian crew to regain their profitable momentum and put together for the upcoming challenges within the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.