India and Maldives are set to play an international friendly on March 19 at Shillong’s Polo Ground, both teams preparing for Asian Cup qualifiers. Sunil Chhetri returns to bolster India’s squad, which seeks its first win under head coach Manolo Marquez. Historically, India has dominated this fixture with 14 wins in 16 matches. The match is broadcasted on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
The international friendly match between India and Maldives is set to take place on Wednesday at Shillong’s Polo Ground, serving as a preparatory game for both teams ahead of their upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. India faces Bangladesh, while Maldives will compete against the Philippines. The comeback of Sunil Chhetri, who has returned from international retirement, is a significant highlight, as India’s head coach Manolo Marquez seeks their first victory under his guidance.
India enters this match with an urgent need for a win, having not secured a victory in over a year. Their last triumph was against Kuwait in June 2024, followed by difficulties in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. With a record of draws and a heavy loss under Marquez, and a chronic issue of scoring goals, Chhetri’s return is anticipated to be a game-changer. Marquez has confirmed that he will utilize Chhetri in the match, whether starting or from the bench.
On the other hand, Maldives, ranked 162nd globally, has played only two matches in the past 18 months against Bangladesh, resulting in one win and one loss. This limited competitive experience may hinder their preparation for the Asian Cup qualifiers. Coach Ali Suzain, who previously led Maldives to victory in the 2018 SAFF Championship, hopes to leverage the squad’s experience. Key forward Ali Fasir, who scored in both prior matches against Bangladesh, remains a significant offensive threat.
Historically, India has dominated this matchup with 14 wins out of 16 meetings, including a recent 3-1 victory. However, Maldives achieved a notable win during the 2018 SAFF Championship final, showcasing their capacity to challenge their rivals. Sunil Chhetri’s return to the national team after retiring in June 2024 adds an exciting dynamic to this friendly match.
The Indian and Maldives starting eleven are projected as follows:
– India: Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Apuia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri.
– Maldives: Hussain Shareef (GK), Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim, Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir.
The match will kick off on March 19 at 7:00 PM IST at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground), Shillong. In India, the live telecast will be available on the Star Sports network, and for those seeking to stream the match, it will be viewable on the JioHotstar app.
In conclusion, the friendly match between India and Maldives presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to prepare for upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. The return of Sunil Chhetri could provide India with much-needed momentum, while Maldives attempts to gain competitive experience. The match promises to reinforce India’s historical dominance, while Maldives looks to replicate past successes. With live coverage available on established platforms, fans are eager to witness the encounter.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
