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

NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri made a exceptional comeback to the nationwide staff after retiring from worldwide soccer in Could final yr. In a pleasant match towards Maldives on Wednesday, Chhetri’s presence proved to be the catalyst for India’s commanding 3-Zero victory, serving to the staff snap their 12-match winless streak that had endured since November 2023.
The match unfolded with Rahul Bheke giving India the lead within the 35th minute, adopted by Liston Colaco extending the benefit to 2-Zero within the 66th minute.
The 40-year-old Chhetri, who had returned to the nationwide staff, etched his title within the scoresheet with a glancing header within the 77th minute, marking his 95th worldwide aim.
Chhetri’s impression was evident as he narrowly missed a scoring alternative within the 47th minute, denied by the Maldives goalkeeper. He was ultimately substituted within the 82nd minute, having made a memorable contribution to the staff’s victory.

This triumph held significance because it marked India’s first win in 16 months and the primary underneath the steerage of Manolo Marquez, who was appointed as the pinnacle coach in July final yr. India’s earlier victory got here towards 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 towards Bangladesh, scheduled for March 25 on the identical venue. Chhetri’s return to the nationwide staff was particularly aimed toward aiding the staff’s profitable navigation via the qualifiers.
With Maldives ranked 162nd on the planet, 36 locations under India (126th), the match supplied a chance for the Indian staff to regain their profitable momentum and put together for the upcoming challenges within the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.