Shillong, Mar 19 (UNI) The Indian men’s football team secured a commanding 3-0 victory over the Maldives in an international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday, marking the side's first win under new head coach Manolo Márquez.

Rahul Bheke (35’) opened the scoring in the first half, while Liston Colaco (66’) and veteran striker Sunil Chhetri (77’), returning to international football after reversing his retirement decision, netted in the second half to seal the win.

The match served as India's final preparatory fixture ahead of their third-round campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

India dominated possession from the outset and created multiple goal-scoring opportunities. In the second minute, Chhetri’s cross unsettled the Maldives defence, allowing Naorem Mahesh to pounce on a loose ball. However, his effort was blocked by the visiting goalkeeper, resulting in a corner.

A set-piece in the 15th minute flashed across the goal without a finishing touch, while a Suresh Wangjam cross moments later found Brandon Fernandes, whose first-time effort sailed wide. Liston Colaco, a constant attacking threat, came close in the 25th minute with a powerful free-kick, while Mehtab Singh’s header from a corner soon after failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Fernandes delivered a pinpoint corner, allowing Bheke to head home and give India a deserved lead. The hosts continued to press but went into half-time with a 1-0 advantage.

India nearly doubled their lead early in the second half when Chhetri’s powerful header from a corner in the 47th minute was cleared off the line. Farukh Choudhary had a golden opportunity to score in the 52nd minute but shot over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The sustained pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Colaco capitalised on a corner, heading in at the far post for his first international goal. Chhetri then extended India’s lead further in the 77th minute, expertly heading home Colaco’s cross from the left.

Despite creating further chances, India were unable to add to their tally as Maldives defended resolutely to avoid further damage.

India will next face Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifier at the same venue on March 25. UNI BDN SSP