Shillong, March 19: India scored three goals against Maldives in the friendly match held at JN stadium, Polo her on Wednesday.
India secured the lead with a goal from Rahul Bheke in the first half and in the second half, Liston Colaco and Sunil Chhetri scored the goals.
Maldives could not convert their chances into goals though their efforts were steady and momentous.
The crowd was just 6,798 the lowest compared to the three ISL matches held here.
Sunil Chhetri scored on his return from international retirement while coach Manolo Marquez got his first win as the India men’s national football team coach and the team bagged their first win in 489 days. Two set-piece headers from Rahul Bheke and Liston Colaco put the Blue Tigers in the driving seat while talisman Chhetri scored his 95th goal on his return to the national team.
India netted one of their goals in the first half, with Bheke (34′) rising the highest in the box to head the ball provided by Brandon Fernandes into the back of the net.
The excitement at the JN Stadium, hosting a senior men’s international match for the first time, was evident from the beginning as legendary striker Chhetri made a comeback to the national team after 286 days to play his 152nd match. The crowd was nearly on its feet in the very first minute when Chhetri created a move that could have fetched a goal.
