India earned a dominant 3-0 victory over the Maldives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. This was their first win under coach Manolo Marquez. The Blue Tigers scored all three goals with headers—two from set-pieces and one from open play.

Key Players and Lineup

Ayush Dev Chhetri made his senior team debut, partnering with Suresh Singh Wangjam in midfield. Meanwhile, Vishal Kaith returned as the goalkeeper after six years. Additionally, Sunil Chhetri captained the team after coming out of retirement.

Strong Start

Right from the first whistle, India attacked aggressively. In the second minute, Sunil Chhetri sent a low cross to Liston Colaco. However, a Maldivian defender deflected it, and their goalkeeper quickly cleared the danger before Naorem Mahesh Singh could react. As a result, India kept pushing for an early goal.

Early Chances

In the 12th minute, Brandon Fernandes took a dangerous corner. The ball deflected off a Maldivian defender before Rahul Bheke attempted a header. Moreover, Fernandes, Mahesh, and Valpuia combined well on the right wing. Then, Fernandes had another chance in the 19th minute, but his volley missed the target.

Attacking from the Left

India focused their attacks on the left flank. Consequently, Colaco used his speed to trouble the Maldivian defense. He also had a chance from a free-kick but narrowly missed.

Breakthrough Goal

India kept the pressure on. Around the 30th minute, Bheke and Fernandes combined for a corner, but Bheke’s header went over. Nevertheless, three minutes later, Bheke finally scored with a powerful header. Unfortunately, Brandon Fernandes left the field injured in the 41st minute. As a result, Chennaiyin FC’s Farukh Choudhary replaced him.

Second Half Dominance

After halftime, India continued attacking with confidence. Just two minutes in, Mahesh took a superb corner. Chhetri’s header was on target, but Hamza Mohamed cleared it off the line. Meanwhile, Mahesh, playing for East Bengal FC, created multiple chances. A few minutes later, he set up Choudhary with a perfect pass, but the shot went wide.

Substitutions and More Attacks

At the 60-minute mark, Marquez made two substitutions. First, Boris Singh debuted, and second, Apuia replaced Valpuia and Suresh. Soon after, Mahesh attempted a curling shot, but it narrowly missed.

Second Goal

The Maldivian goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny Colaco. However, from the following corner, Colaco jumped high and scored with a header, making it 2-0.

Chhetri’s Special Moment

Maldives had their first real chance in the 72nd minute. However, Hassan Nazeem’s shot was easily saved by Kaith. Then, in the 76th minute, Chhetri met Colaco’s cross and scored his 95th international goal, securing the 3-0 win.

Late Changes and Final Moments

With the game nearing its end, India made three late substitutions. First, Abhishek Singh replaced Subhasish Bose. Then, Ashique Kuruniyan  came in for Colaco, and finally, Irfan Yadwad replaced Chhetri. In the 86th minute, Mahesh had another shot, but the Maldives goalkeeper saved it. Overall, this dominant win boosts India’s confidence ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh on March 25.