India secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Maldives in an impressive performance under their new head coach, Manolo Marquez. The match, played in Shillong, showcased India’s attacking prowess as Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and the returning Sunil Chhetri found the net—all via headers—to give the team a commanding win.
India Starts Strong with Early Attacking Threats
From the opening whistle, India looked determined to make an impact. Winger Mahesh Singh came close to scoring but was denied by a superb tackle as he tried to tap in from close range. Meanwhile, Brandon Fernandes tested the Maldivian defense with a well-struck volley from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target.
Liston Colaco was a constant threat on the left flank, using his pace and dribbling skills to trouble the opposition. However, his final delivery lacked precision in the early stages. Despite the missed chances, India maintained relentless pressure, keeping Maldives on the back foot. The first half saw several promising moves, but it was clear that India needed to capitalize on their dominance to secure a comfortable win.
Goals in the Match
1st Goal – Rahul Bheke (34th Minute)
India took the lead in the 34th minute through a well-worked corner. Brandon Fernandes delivered a precise cross into the box, where Rahul Bheke rose unmarked and powered a header into the net. It was a straightforward finish that gave India the upper hand.
Following Bheke’s goal, India kept up the pressure, but they faced a setback when Brandon Fernandes suffered an injury in the 40th minute. Farukh Choudhary was brought on as a replacement, and while he took a few minutes to settle in, he soon became a key part of India’s attacking play.
2nd Goal – Liston Colaco (66th Minute)
In the 66th minute, Liston Colaco doubled India’s lead. Mahesh Singh sent in a well-placed cross, and Colaco leaped high at the far post to direct a strong header past the Maldivian goalkeeper. It was a rare headed goal for the winger, showcasing his ability to convert opportunities from set pieces.
Colaco, known for his speed and dribbling, surprised many with his aerial ability. His well-timed header effectively ended any hopes of a Maldives comeback, as India’s dominance continued to grow.
3rd Goal – Sunil Chhetri (76th Minute)
India’s captain, Sunil Chhetri, added the finishing touch in the 76th minute. Mahesh Singh delivered another dangerous cross from the right, which Liston Colaco kept alive with a smart pass back into the box. Chhetri, showing his trademark positioning, made a well-timed run to the near post and guided a glancing header into the net. The goal marked his 95th international strike and sealed India’s commanding win.
Chhetri had earlier come close to scoring when his bullet header from a corner was cleared off the line. However, he remained persistent, and his goal in the 76th minute was a fitting reward for his efforts. His return to the national team was celebrated with yet another clinical finish, further cementing his legacy as India’s top scorer.
Each goal demonstrated India’s efficiency from set pieces and their aerial dominance, securing a strong victory under new head coach Manolo Marquez.
Marquez’s First Win Marks a Strong Start for India
With this comprehensive victory, Manolo Marquez secured his first win as India’s head coach. His team displayed tactical discipline, attacking flair, and defensive solidity—an encouraging sign ahead of their upcoming matches. The coach’s strategy of pressing high and controlling possession worked effectively against Maldives, limiting their ability to counterattack.
Speaking after the game, Marquez praised his team’s effort but expressed concern over Brandon Fernandes’ injury. The head coach is hopeful that his key playmaker will recover in time for India’s next fixture against Bangladesh on March 25. Farukh Choudhary’s performance as a substitute was a positive takeaway, as he linked up well with Chhetri and Colaco in the attack.
Solid Defense and Goalkeeper’s Contribution
While India’s attack stole the headlines, their defense was equally impressive. The backline, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, ensured that Maldives had no clear-cut chances. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had a quiet night but was alert whenever called upon. His command of the penalty area and quick distribution helped India maintain their attacking momentum.
What’s Next for India?
Following this morale-boosting win, India will shift focus to their next challenge against Bangladesh on Tuesday, March 25. With momentum on their side and Chhetri leading the charge, the Blue Tigers will look to continue their winning form in their bid for international success.
Marquez is expected to refine his tactics further as India aims for another dominant performance. With set-piece mastery proving to be a key strength, the team will likely continue utilizing corners and free-kicks to their advantage.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as India’s journey continues on the road to glory.
