India vs Maldives Live Score: Sunil Chhetri’s Return in International Friendly
The Indian National Football Team faces Maldives in an international friendly on Wednesday in Shillong, featuring the return of leading goal-scorer Sunil Chhetri. This match acts as preparation for upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh. India possesses a favorable historical record against the Maldives, making this an exciting fixture for the team and fans alike.
The Indian National Football Team is set to confront the Maldives in an international friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. This game is particularly notable as it marks the return of Sunil Chhetri, the top goal-scorer in India’s history, following his brief retirement. His reintegration into the squad comes at the request of head coach Manolo Marquez, aiming to bolster the team ahead of significant qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Chhetri, who concluded his international career last year, has resumed play due to his impressive form, leading the Indian Super League 2024-25 with 12 goals in 24 matches. With a record of 94 goals in 151 caps, Chhetri aims to enhance his tally further as he dons the blue jersey once again, placing him among the top international goal-scorers globally.
The full squad for India includes notable players such as Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Sunil Chhetri. The probable starting eleven features Vishal Kaith as the goalkeeper, along with a mix of defenders and midfielders key to achieving a successful outcome. Conversely, the Maldives squad shows a strong lineup, with Hussain Shareef expected in goal.
Historically, India enjoys a superior win rate against the Maldives in their head-to-head encounters. Head coach Marquez will be looking to capitalize on this advantage. The game also marks an exciting debut for the national team in front of the enthusiastic supporters in Shillong, as they make history with their first international match at this venue.
In summary, the upcoming international friendly between India and Maldives highlights the significant return of Sunil Chhetri, which is critical for India’s campaign in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. With a robust squad and a favorable historical record against the Maldives, India aims to secure a victory in this debut match in Shillong. This friendly serves not only as preparation for future competitions but also as an opportunity for fans to celebrate the nation’s football talent in a new venue.
Original Source: www.news18.com
