In a highly anticipated international friendly at the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, India secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Maldives, marking a memorable moment for football fans in the region.
The match saw Rahul Bheke open the scoring in the 34th minute, giving India the lead. Liston Colaco doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, further solidifying the home team’s dominance. However, the moment fans had been eagerly waiting for came in the 76th minute, when Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net, sealing the victory in style. Chhetri’s goal electrified the crowd, as supporters erupted in celebration, witnessing their football icon back in form.
This historic fixture was the first international football match played at the newly refurbished JN Stadium, adding to the significance of India’s emphatic win. The match not only showcased India’s attacking prowess but also reaffirmed Shillong’s growing stature as a key venue for international football.