Indian football magician Sunil Chhetri once again gave India a brilliant victory by spreading his flames. India defeated Maldives 3–0 in a friendly match on Wednesday. This match was not only memorable for Indian football lovers, but it also ended the 16 months long wait. With this victory, India has registered the first win in Manolo Market coaching.
Magic of Chhetri: Goal with header in 77th minute
Sunil Chhetri, who is considered to be the biggest star of Indian football, made the match memorable in the 77th minute with a brilliant header to make the match memorable. This was his 95th international goal in the 152nd match. Chhetri announced his retirement from international football in June last year, but earlier this month he announced a comeback. His return proved to be a great news not only for the Indian team but also for the whole country.
First goal of the match: Rahul Bheke gives the lead
India dominated at the beginning of the match. Rahul Bheke gave India a lead by scoring the first goal in the 35th minute. This goal was not only going to boost the morale of the team, but it also demolished the Maldives strategy. This goal goal was the result of his hard work and coordination with the team.
Liston Colako increased the score
In the second half, Liston Colako scored the second goal in the 66th minute to make India’s victory further confirmed. This goal of Colako not only shows their speed and skill, but it is also a symbol of the growing strength of the young players of the team.
Maldives defeat: Team standing in 162nd position
Maldives, which ranks 162nd in the world, is 36 places below India (126th place). His defeat in this match can take his ranking even down. The Maldives team made some good opportunities in the match, but the Indian defense and goalkeeper stopped them from scoring.
First win of Manolo marks
Manolo Markage, who was made the head coach of the Indian team in July last year, registered his first win with this match. In the coaching of the markej, the team showed their stamina while playing with a new energy and strategy. His strategy and coordination between the players made this victory possible.
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preparation
India has been placed with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China and Singapore in Group C in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier. India’s first match will be against Bangladesh at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on 25 March. The match will be a big challenge for the Indian team, but the expectations have increased in view of Chhetri and his team’s performance.
Chhetri’s return: New hope for Indian football
The return of Sunil Chhetri has given a new direction to Indian football. His experience and leadership is a source of inspiration for the team’s young players. Chhetri retired from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Kuwait in June last year, but his return showed that he could still do a lot for Indian football.
Future of Indian football
With this victory, expectations on the future of Indian football have increased even more. The performance of young players and the leadership of experienced players like Chhetri can take the team to new heights. India’s team’s performance in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier will be worth seeing.
The Indian football team made a new beginning with this stunning victory against Maldives. The return of Sunil Chhetri and the brilliant performance of young players has made the future of Indian football bright. Now everyone’s eyes are on the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, where India will have to show its strength once again.
