Sports
India finally win after 489 days as Sunil Chhetri scores 95th international goal on return
&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "India finally win after 489 days as Sunil Chhetri scores 95th international goal on return")
Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and Sunil Chhetri find the net as India secure a convincing 3-0 win against Maldives in Shillong ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Chhetri scored his 95th international goal as India ended a 489-day winless streak.
India put on a commanding display to defeat the Maldives 3-0 in an international friendly at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) on Wednesday. The Blue Tigers controlled the game from start to finish, with goals from Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and Sunil Chhetri sealing a well-deserved victory.
India took the lead in the 34th minute when Bheke headed home a corner from Brandon Fernandes, giving the hosts a crucial advantage. In the 66th minute, Liston Colaco doubled the lead with another clinical header, keeping India’s momentum strong.
The highlight of the match came in the 77th minute, as Sunil Chhetri, playing his first match since returning from international retirement, scored his 95th international goal. Colaco sent in a cross from the left, which Chhetri took past two defenders and guided into the net with a header.
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Explained: Why Indian-origin players cannot represent Blue Tigers the way Bangladesh got English-born Hamza Choudhury")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Explained: Why Indian-origin players cannot represent Blue Tigers the way Bangladesh got English-born Hamza Choudhury")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Bhaichung Bhutia criticises Manolo's decision to recall Chhetri to Indian team: 'Could have gambled on young strikers'")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Bhaichung Bhutia criticises Manolo's decision to recall Chhetri to Indian team: 'Could have gambled on young strikers'")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Geopolitical undercurrents and Hamza Choudhury's inclusion shape Bangladesh's clash against Indian football team")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Geopolitical undercurrents and Hamza Choudhury's inclusion shape Bangladesh's clash against Indian football team")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "India beat Maldives as Chhetri scores on return: Three major talking points from 3-0 win in Shillong")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "India beat Maldives as Chhetri scores on return: Three major talking points from 3-0 win in Shillong")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "India vs Maldives Football Live: All eyes on Sunil Chhetri as he comes out of international retirement")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "India vs Maldives Football Live: All eyes on Sunil Chhetri as he comes out of international retirement")
&w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "Indian football team hit by major injury blow ahead of Maldives clash")
&w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "Indian football team hit by major injury blow ahead of Maldives clash")