Shillong, March 17: The Indian national football team will be eager to secure their first victory of 2025 when they face the Maldives in an international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. This fixture serves as head coach Manolo Marquez’s final opportunity to assess his squad before the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers commence.
High Stakes for Both Sides
The Blue Tigers have endured a tough run in 2024, failing to register a single win throughout the year. Currently ranked 126th in the FIFA Rankings, India’s recent form has been underwhelming, with three draws and two losses in their last five matches. Their most recent victory dates back to a 1-0 win over Kuwait in the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
However, the return of veteran striker Sunil Chhetri is expected to bolster the squad’s attacking options. Marquez will be keen to fine-tune his team’s strategy as India aims to qualify for a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup.Like their opponents, the Maldives are gearing up for the third round of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Placed in Group A alongside the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Tajikistan, the Red Snappers have played only two international friendlies in 2024—both against Bangladesh—recording one win and one defeat.
Team News and Injury Updates
India will be without winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, who is sidelined due to injury. Meanwhile, the Maldives enter the contest with a fully fit squad.
India and the Maldives have faced each other 21 times, with India winning 15 matches, the Maldives securing 4 victories, and 2 games ending in a draw.
Probable Line-ups
India (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith (GK), Subhasish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Apuia, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri.
Maldives (4-4-2): Hussain Shareef (GK), Hussain Sifaau, Samooh Ali, Mohamed Irufaan, Hassan Shifaz, Irfan, Ibrahim Mahudhee, Hussain Nihan, Ahmed Aiham, Mohamed Naim, Hassan Naiz, Ali Fasir.
Players to Watch
Irfan Yadwad (India): The Chennaiyin FC forward has been in impressive form during the 2024-25 Indian Super League season. After scoring a brace in his club’s 5-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC, Yadwad will be eager to make his mark on the international stage and open his goal-scoring account for India.Ali Fasir (Maldives): At 36, Ali Fasir remains a key figure in the Maldives squad. The experienced winger netted twice in his country’s recent fixtures against Bangladesh and will be a major threat to India’s defence.
India’s last international victory was against Kuwait in November 2023.
The most recent encounter between India and the Maldives took place in the 2021 SAFF Championship, where India secured a 3-1 win. This match will also mark the first-ever international fixture hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Match Telecast and Streaming Details
The India vs Maldives encounter will take place on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, at 7:00 PM IST. Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports 3, with online streaming available on JioCinema and Hotstar.
As India aim to break their winless streak, all eyes will be on Marquez’s men to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd in Shillong.With both teams using this fixture as vital preparation for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, the clash in Shillong promises to be an intense battle.