The Indian men's football team is set to face the Maldives in an international friendly on March 19, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya. This match marks the return of Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri to international play after his retirement last year.
Match Details:
- Date & Time: March 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports 3
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
Head-to-Head Record:
Historically, India has dominated the Maldives in football, with 15 wins out of 21 encounters. The Maldives have secured four victories, and two matches have ended in draws.
Significance of the Match:
This friendly serves as a crucial preparation for India's upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. The team aims to qualify for three consecutive Asian Cups for the first time in history. The match also holds significance as it is the first time Shillong is hosting senior men's international matches.
India's Squad:
The squad features experienced players like Sandesh Jhingan and the returning Sunil Chhetri. Under the guidance of head coach Igor Štimac, India looks to continue its dominance over the Maldives.
Predicted Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
- Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Roshan Singh
- Midfielders: Suresh Singh, Apuia, Brandon Fernandes
- Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Pratap Singh Yadwad, Rahim Ali
Match Preview:
India enters the match as favorites, given their strong record against the Maldives. The return of Sunil Chhetri adds a significant boost to the team's attacking prowess. However, the Maldives have shown resilience in past encounters and will be keen to challenge the hosts.
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