India vs Maldives lineups, team news, prediction & preview

The Blue Tigers will be looking to get their first win of the year against the Red Snappers.

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.

ALSO READ: Can playing Naorem Mahesh Singh in midfield role be Manolo Marquez’s special weapon for India?

Injury Concerns and Team News

Lallianzuala Chhangte will be on the sidelines and absent for the game against Maldives.

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; Manvir Singh, 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

Players to Watch

Irfan Yadwad (India)

Having performed well in the 2024-25 Indian Super League season, Irfan Yadwad has received another opportunity to play with the Indian national football team squad. Under Marquez, the 24-year-old could be a key player who can exploit spaces and provide the killer touch in front of goal.  

The Chennaiyin FC forward scored a brace to end his side’s ISL campaign with a 5-2 win over Jamshedpur FC and will be hungry to get his first international goal against Maldives.

Ali Fasir (Maldives)

Maldives’ number seven, Ali Fasir, is one of the elder statesmen in the island nation’s squad at 36. The winger scored two goals in two games for his national side against Bangladesh last November, and he would certainly be hungry to prove his mettle when his side takes on India.

Marquez’s men will monitor Fasir closely ahead of the upcoming encounter. Keeping him under control will be at the top of India’s defensive lineup agenda.

Did You Know?

• The Indian football team’s last international win came against Kuwait in November 2023.
• India and Maldives last faced each other in the SAFF 2021 Championship as the Blue Tigers won the group match 3-1.
• This will be the first international game that will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Telecast

The India vs Maldives match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Wednesday (19th March 2025). The game will kick-off at 7:00 pm IST. The match will be shown live on Star Sports 3 and it will also be streamed online on Jio Hotstar.

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