India is set to face the Maldives in a friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 19, 2025, which will serve as a critical tune-up ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifying opener against Bangladesh on March 25. This match marks the first foray of international football into Shillong, a city with a rich football culture that is eagerly anticipating hosting major teams.
The Blue Tigers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing run, which has lasted 489 days since their last victory against Kuwait in November 2023. With pressure mounting on head coach Manolo Marquez, who has yet to secure a win since taking charge—recording three draws and a loss—this friendly against the Maldives presents an essential opportunity to rectify past errors.
Rahul Bheke, India’s defender, stated, “We’ve had a good start to the camp, with two solid training sessions... I think the Maldives will be a good test because they are a similar kind of side to what Bangladesh will be.” His words stress the importance of preparing adequately for the upcoming qualification match against their neighbors, Bangladesh.
The Blue Tigers aim to sharpen their strategies and plug goal-scoring gaps, leading to the recall of veteran striker Sunil Chhetri from international retirement. His experience and track record as the leading Indian scorer in the league are significant assets, and Coach Marquez confirmed Chhetri would get minutes on the field: “He will play. Let’s see... but he will definitely get some minutes.” This strategic inclusion could invigorate the squad, enhancing their chances of clinching a win.
However, India’s preparations took an unfortunate turn during the friendly when midfielder Brandon Fernandes suffered a knee injury in the 37th minute and was stretchered off the pitch. His replacement, Farukh Choudhary, stepped in as concerns escalated regarding how his absence would impact the squad against Bangladesh. Coach Marquez confirmed, “No, for sure, Brandon won’t be available. It’s really bad luck that we lost three players in the last game.” With already sidelined players like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, and Ashis Rai, Fernandes' injury is a significant blow.
Nevertheless, Marquez and his team pressed on, buoyed by promising performances from other players in training, including several newcomers from FC Goa, like Brison Fernandes, Boris Singh, and Ayush Dev Chhetri. The coach acknowledged their hard work, stating the preparations were a crucial part of readying for the main event against Bangladesh. The team’s strategy needs to ensure they take full advantage of their home match atmosphere.
The Maldives arrive looking to capitalize on their own preparations and also see this clash as sufficient rapport-building before their upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers. Head coach Ali Suzain recognizes the challenge, saying, “We will give our best for the people of Maldives.” With both teams eager to find their stride, the stakes remain high.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement around Shillong grows. The weather conditions are favorable for football, with many fans expected to fill the stadium to support their team. Bheke calls for community support, recalling his experiences playing in Shillong: “We hope that the same number of people, if not more, will be present during the India matches.”
The match is particularly significant not only for its implications on the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers but also for its historical context; India boasts a dominant record over the Maldives in their encounters, having won 15 out of their previous 21 matches, including a solid 3-1 victory in the 2021 SAFF Championship. Returning to their winning ways is crucial for India as they prepare for the more competitive clash against Bangladesh next week.
The odds may favor India historically, but the recent unpredictabilities leave room for excitement and uncertainty. As the Blue Tigers aim to solidify their play style and deal with injury adversity, they look at this friendly as a vital step toward reclaiming their former glory. The audiences in Shillong, passionate about their football, are eager to witness their team take flight on this grand stage, hopeful for a victorious opening that can translate into momentum for the AFC Asian Cup campaign.
Ultimately, this friendly match is not merely a prelude but a cornerstone for forming a cohesive team dynamic ahead of significant competitive fixtures looming just around the corner. Supporters and players alike will hope for an exemplary performance—a testament to their preparation—as the final whistle blows.
