Sunil Scores 95th Goal as Blue Tigers defeat Maldives 3-0 in friendly

Match Report: India 3-0 Maldives – Blue Tigers Dominate in a Convincing Victory

India put on a commanding display against Maldives, securing a well-earned 3-0 victory in a match where they controlled possession, created numerous chances, and capitalized on set pieces. Goals from Rahul Bheke, Liston Colaco, and captain Sunil Chhetri ensured the Blue Tigers continued their strong form.

First Half: Early Pressure Pays Off

India started the match on the front foot, with Sunil Chhetri playing a key role in the early attacking moves. Just two minutes in, Chhetri floated a teasing cross into the box for Liston Colaco, but the Maldivian defense managed to clear the danger. The opening exchanges saw India apply consistent pressure, with Brandon Fernandes proving to be the creative spark in midfield.

Brandon’s deliveries were a constant threat. In the 12th minute, his outswinging corner was flicked clear by Ahmed Numan, and three minutes later, he nearly provided the opener from a free kick. Chhetri met the set-piece at the near post, but once again, Maldives scrambled to clear.

India continued knocking on the door, with Liston and Brandon both coming close. In the 19th minute, a Suresh Singh cross found Brandon at the edge of the box, but his first-time effort flew wide of the post. A few minutes later, Liston’s powerful free-kick from 25 yards out narrowly missed the target.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute. Brandon, who had been the architect of most of India’s attacks, delivered another pinpoint corner. This time, Rahul Bheke made no mistake, rising high and thumping a header past the Maldives goalkeeper to give India a deserved 1-0 lead.

India suffered a setback just before halftime as Brandon was forced off with an injury, replaced by Farukh Choudhary in the 41st minute. However, the Blue Tigers continued to press forward, with Liston causing problems on the left wing. Despite their dominance, India went into the break with just a one-goal lead.

Second Half: India Turns Up the Heat

India wasted no time in continuing their attacking momentum. Just two minutes into the second half, Chhetri came close to doubling the lead. The captain directed a header on target from Mahesh Singh’s corner, but Hamza Mohamed was well-positioned on the goal line to clear it away.

Chhetri remained at the heart of India’s attacking play. In the 57th minute, he played a clever one-two with Farukh inside the box, but before Farukh could get a shot away, the Maldives defense intervened once again.

The much-awaited second goal finally arrived in the 66th minute. Another set-piece proved to be Maldives’ undoing as Mahesh curled in a dangerous cross, and Liston Colaco was in the right place at the far post to guide it into the net. It was his first goal for India, and a well-taken one at that.

Just minutes later, the crowd erupted again as Sunil Chhetri got his name on the scoresheet. Liston turned provider this time, swinging in a perfectly weighted cross that Chhetri met with a clinical header, scoring his 95th goal for India. With that goal, India sealed the result at 3-0.

Final Stages: Comfortable Finish

India controlled the remaining minutes with composure, limiting Maldives to very few attacking opportunities. Mahesh had a late attempt on goal in the 86th minute, striking a left-footed effort towards the near post, but the Maldivian goalkeeper was equal to the task.

As the final whistle blew, India celebrated a dominant 3-0 win, underlining their superiority with a well-rounded performance. The Blue Tigers were relentless in attack, solid in defense, and clinical in front of goal, making it a night to remember for Indian football fans.

Key Takeaways

• Set-Piece Brilliance: All three goals came from set-piece situations, showcasing India’s aerial threat and smart delivery.

• Brandon Fernandes’ Influence: Before his injury, Brandon was instrumental in India’s attacking moves, providing multiple dangerous deliveries.

• Liston Colaco’s Breakthrough: His first goal in national colors was well deserved, and he capped off a fine performance with an assist as well.

• Chhetri’s Legacy Grows: The captain’s 95th international goal was another milestone in his legendary career.

Conclusion

India’s 3-0 win was a statement performance, reflecting their growing strength in international football. With dominant possession, well-worked goals, and solid defensive organization, the Blue Tigers sent a strong message. Their focus will now shift to maintaining this form in upcoming matches.