Sunil Chhetri returns to the Indian National Football Team for a friendly match against the Maldives at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. This match serves as preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Bangladesh. With a strong historical record, India aims to secure a decisive victory while showcasing the debut of Shillong as an international venue.
The Indian National Football Team is set to compete against the Maldives in an international friendly fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. This match signifies the return of Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, who has rejoined the team after initially retiring from international football. Head coach Manolo Marquez’s appeal resulted in Chhetri’s decision to return, particularly following his impressive performance in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season.
This friendly encounter will serve as a preparatory match ahead of India’s impending AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers against Bangladesh, where securing a spot in the tournament, to be held in Saudi Arabia, is the primary objective for the Blue Tigers. Chhetri, having scored 94 goals in 151 international caps, aims to enhance his record during this match.
The complete squad for Team India includes notable players such as Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Sunil Chhetri. Speculated formations for the game depict Vishal Kaith as the goalkeeper with Chhetri expected to lead the attack along with other prominent team members. In contrast, the Maldives’ probable XI features Hussain Shareef and Mohamed Nizam among others.
Statistically, India holds a significant advantage in their head-to-head encounters against the Maldives, a fact that the team will strive to leverage in order to achieve a convincing victory. This match also marks a historic debut for the Shillong venue, with local fans eagerly anticipating the national team’s performance. The match is scheduled to commence at 7 PM IST, and the enthusiastic coverage will reveal how the teams contend with one another on this stage.
The international friendly between India and the Maldives highlights Sunil Chhetri’s remarkable comeback to the national team, aiming to reinforce India’s chances for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With a favorable historical record against the Maldives and significant local support, Team India is set to make a strong statement at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Original Source: www.news18.com
