India Registers First International Win Under New Coach Manolo Márquez
New Delhi, March 20: In a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, India ended its 15-month international winless streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over Maldives in the FIFA International Friendly match on Wednesday. The match marked India’s first win under new Spanish head coach Manolo Márquez, setting a positive tone for the team ahead of upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
The goalscorers for India were:
✅ Rahul Bheke (34′) – Stunning header off a corner kick
✅ Liston Colaco (66′) – First international goal with a powerful header
✅ Sunil Chhetri (76′) – Classic headed finish, netting his 95th international goal
Chhetri’s Return After 286 Days Ignites Fans in Shillong
This match was historic for Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, hosting its first-ever senior men’s international game. The electrifying crowd welcomed India’s legendary captain, Sunil Chhetri, who made his return after 286 days, playing his 152nd international match.
From the very first whistle, India displayed attacking intent, with Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Brandon Fernandes relentlessly testing the Maldives defense.
India’s Goals: Tactical Precision & Set-Piece Brilliance
⚽ 34′ – Rahul Bheke’s Powerful Header Gives India the Lead
India found the breakthrough in the 34th minute when Brandon Fernandes’ well-placed corner met Rahul Bheke’s towering header, beating the Maldives goalkeeper to give India a 1-0 lead.
⚽ 66′ – Liston Colaco Doubles the Advantage
In the 66th minute, India increased its lead as Mahesh Singh’s precise corner was converted by Liston Colaco, who scored his first international goal with a superb header, making it 2-0.
⚽ 76′ – Sunil Chhetri Caps Victory with 95th International Goal
The biggest moment of the night came in the 76th minute when Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading scorer, connected with Liston Colaco’s cross from the left flank, directing a powerful header past the Maldives goalkeeper. The goal marked Chhetri’s 95th international strike, solidifying India’s 3-0 win.
Shortly after, in the 82nd minute, Chhetri was substituted for Irfan Yadwad, receiving a standing ovation from the Shillong crowd.
India Gains Momentum Ahead of Crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier
This victory has boosted the team’s confidence as India prepares to face Bangladesh on March 25 at the same venue in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. With Chhetri back in form, Márquez’s tactical leadership, and rising stars like Colaco stepping up, India will look to build on this momentum.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.