India will face Maldives in a friendly match on March 19 at Shillong’s Polo Ground. Sunil Chhetri’s return highlights the match, as India seeks a much-needed win. The Maldives, having played few matches recently, aims to leverage its experienced squad. The encounter marks a critical preparation ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers for both teams.
India and the Maldives are set to compete in an international friendly on March 19 at Shillong’s Polo Ground. Both teams are using this match as preparation ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers next week, with Maldives facing the Philippines and India gearing up for a critical match against Bangladesh. A notable highlight is the return of Sunil Chhetri from international retirement, which may greatly influence India’s performance.
India is eager to secure a victory after over a year without a win, their last success being in June 2024 against Kuwait. Under head coach Manolo Marquez, India has drawn with Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia, while suffering a significant loss to Syria. Chhetri’s return is timely given the team’s ongoing struggles with scoring. Marquez has confirmed that Chhetri will feature in the match, either as a starting player or coming off the bench.
The Maldives, ranked 162nd globally, has played only two matches in the last 18 months, both against Bangladesh, resulting in one win and one loss. This scarcity of competitive games may hinder their preparation for the Asian Cup qualifiers. Coach Ali Suzain hopes his players’ experience will strengthen their performances. Key player Ali Fasir has been in good form, having scored in both recent encounters against Bangladesh.
In terms of head-to-head statistics, India has consistently outperformed the Maldives, winning 14 of their 16 encounters. The latest match concluded with a 3-1 victory for India, although Maldives previously triumphed in the 2018 SAFF Championship final, showcasing their capability against India.
Sunil Chhetri’s return to the team adds intrigue to the friendly match. Having previously retired in June 2024, Chhetri is back to support India ahead of the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier. He has shown impressive form domestically, netting 12 goals in 24 matches in the Indian Super League. Coach Manolo Marquez has emphasized the selection of players based on current form, regardless of age, indicating the potential impact of Chhetri on the game.
The probable starting lineup 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. Meanwhile, the Maldives is likely to start with: 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 friendly match between India and Maldives will commence at 7:00 PM IST at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground), Shillong. Star Sports network will provide live telecast in India, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app.
In summary, the upcoming friendly match between India and Maldives presents an important opportunity for both teams to refine their strategies ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers. With the return of Sunil Chhetri to the Indian squad and their historical dominance over the Maldives, the match could be pivotal for India’s quest for a much-needed victory. The viewing arrangements via Star Sports and JioHotstar further enhance accessibility for fans and supporters.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
