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Shillong, March 19: "Like he never left," echoed the commentator as Sunil Chhetri made a fairytale return to the Indian national football team, marking his comeback with a goal in India's 3-0 victory over the Maldives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (POLO Ground), Shillong.
This win was India’s first under new coach Manolo Marquez, and Chhetri played a crucial role by scoring the third and final goal of the match. The 40-year-old striker headed in a precise cross from Liston Colaco in the 76th minute, securing the victory. As his teammates rushed to embrace him, Chhetri appeared emotional, celebrating in a subdued manner.
Match Highlights: India’s Dominance Over Maldives
34' - Rahul Bheke Opens the Scoring: India took the lead after Brandon Fernandes delivered a perfect corner kick, which Bheke converted with a strong header.
52' - Liston Colaco Scores His First Goal for India: The 26-year-old netted his debut international goal from another well-executed corner, this time assisted by Mahesh.
76' - Sunil Chhetri Seals the Victory: Returning to the national team after retirement, Chhetri converted a brilliant left-footed cross from Liston Colaco with a fine header, marking his 95th international goal.
This win ended India's 489-day drought, with their last victory coming against Kuwait (1-0) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Sunil Chhetri Nears 100 International Goals
Chhetri’s goal has now moved him closer to joining the elite list of players with 100 international goals, a milestone only achieved by:
Cristiano Ronaldo (128 goals)
Lionel Messi (104 goals)
Ali Daei (109 goals)
With just five more goals, Chhetri could become the fourth player in football history to reach this landmark.
Why Did Sunil Chhetri Return from Retirement?
For those unaware, Chhetri had announced his retirement last year after India’s home game against Kuwait in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. However, new head coach Manolo Marquez convinced him to return, citing India’s urgent need for experienced goal-scorers.
Chhetri is the leading Indian goal-scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season with 12 goals—no other Indian player has scored more than seven.
Marquez defended his decision to recall Chhetri, saying:
95TH GOAL FOR SUNIL CHHETRI ????????????
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) March 19, 2025
???????? INDIA 3-0 MALDIVES ????????
India is totally dominating the Gameplay ????
pic.twitter.com/BYa69h1Cbl
"It doesn't matter if a player is 20, 40, or my grandfather at 87. If they are in better shape, they will be here. The national team is not about developing players; it is about winning games."
What’s Next for India?
India will now shift focus to their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign, where they will face Bangladesh on March 25 in Shillong. With Chhetri back in the squad and a morale-boosting win under their belt, the Blue Tigers will be eager to build on their momentum.
