India 3-0 Maldives Highlights: Sunil Chhetri scores on comeback; Liston Colaco stars & more

In the upcoming international friendly encounter, India and Maldives will square off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. The game will be Manolo Marquez’s last chance to judge this group of players before the Blue Tigers get their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign underway.

The Stakes

India

2024 has been a year to forget for the Indian football team, as they failed to win a single game. Due to poor results, the Blue Tigers are ranked 126th in the FIFA Rankings. The last five games have seen the Blue Tigers draw three and lose two, with their last win coming against Kuwait in the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.

With Sunil Chhetri back in the squad, Manolo Marquez will be looking to get his side ready as they aspire to qualify for their third consecutive AFC Asian Cup.

Maldives

Maldives are also preparing for the round 3 qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, similar to their opponents. They are in Group A alongside the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Tajikistan. The Red Snappers only played two international friendlies in 2024, both against Bangladesh, winning and losing one.

Injury Concerns and Team News

Lallianzuala Chhangte will be on the sidelines and absent for the game against Maldives. India will also be missing Manvir Singh who was release from the squad on matchday itself. Maldives will have a fully-fit squad at his disposal for this game.

Head-to-Head Stats

Total number of games played – 21

Games won by India – 15

Games won by Maldives – 4

Games that ended in a draw – 2

Predicted Line-ups

India (4-2-3-1)

Vishal Kaith (GK); Naorem Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose; Suresh Singh Wangjam; Naorem Mahesh, Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad; Sunil Chhetri

Maldives (4-4-2)

Hussain Shareef (GK); Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz; Irfan, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim; Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir

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