India will face the Maldives in a friendly match at Shillong’s Polo Ground on March 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM IST. This match serves as preparation for both teams ahead of their Asian Cup qualifiers. Sunil Chhetri’s return is a key highlight for India, who seek their first win under coach Manolo Marquez after a prolonged winless streak. Maldives, with limited recent play, will rely on their experience to compete.
India and the Maldives are set to compete in an international friendly match at Shillong’s Polo Ground on March 19, serving as preparation for both teams ahead of their respective Asian Cup qualifiers. While Maldives will face the Philippines, India will encounter Bangladesh in a critical match. The return of Sunil Chhetri, who has come out of international retirement, is a significant highlight, providing India with a much-needed boost in their offensive lineup.
India’s recent performance has been subpar, lacking a victory for over a year. Their last win occurred in June 2024 against Kuwait, and they have since drawn matches against Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia while enduring a heavy defeat to Syria. The absence of goals has been a notable issue, increasing the importance of Chhetri’s return. Head coach Manolo Marquez has confirmed that Chhetri will participate, whether as a starter or substitute.
In contrast, the Maldives, currently ranked 162nd globally, has played only two matches in the past 18 months against Bangladesh, achieving one win and one loss. Limited competitive play may hinder their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifiers. Coach Ali Suzain, who previously led the Maldives to a SAFF Championship title, seeks to leverage his squad’s experience in this match. Ali Fasir, a key forward, is the team’s primary goal-scoring threat following his recent performance against Bangladesh.
Historically, India has dominated the head-to-head encounters, winning 14 of 16 matches against the Maldives. The last meeting ended in a 3-1 victory for India, although Maldives achieved a notable win in the 2018 SAFF Championship final, showcasing their capability against stronger rivals.
Sunil Chhetri’s return is noteworthy as he retired after a successful international career in June 2024. His comeback comes just ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh scheduled for March 25. Chhetri, with an impressive record of 12 goals in 24 matches in the Indian Super League, is anticipated to contribute, although his specific role remains undecided. Marquez emphasized the selection of players based on current form, regardless of experience.
The expected starting eleven for India includes Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Apuia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Sunil Chhetri. For the Maldives, the returning lineup may feature Hussain Shareef (GK), Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim, Hassan Naiz, and Ali Fasir.
The match will kick off at 7:00 PM IST on March 19, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Fans in India can tune in to the live telecast of the friendly match through the Star Sports network, while online streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app.
In summary, the friendly match between India and Maldives on March 19 signifies an important opportunity for both teams to prepare for upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. The re-entry of Sunil Chhetri attempts to rejuvenate India’s recent struggles for victory. With India’s historical dominance over Maldives, expectations are high as both squads aim to improve before their critical encounters ahead.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
