Shillong, Meghalaya, March 20 (HBTV): India's long wait for a win in international football has finally ended with the Blue Tigers securing a dominant 3-0 victory over the Maldives in an international friendly in Meghalaya’s Shillong.
This match, the first senior men's international fixture hosted in Meghalaya, also saw the much-anticipated return of India’s Sunil Chhetri, who netted his 95th international goal.
From the start, India controlled possession and created multiple chances. The energetic crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium added to the pressure on the Maldives team, and India's persistence paid off as they broke the deadlock and continued to dominate.
Thousands of people gathered at the sports ground to watch the first international friendly football match in Shillong.
After the match, Indian head coach Manolo Márquez expressed satisfaction but was cautious about upcoming challenges, while Maldives coach Ali Suzain admitted his team's defensive struggles but acknowledged their improved second-half performance.
This win boosts India's morale ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures, ending their 489-day winless streak on a high note.