Sunil Chhetri Holds Back Tears After Scoring His 95th International Goal During India's Dominating Win Over Maldives

Legendary footballer Sunil Chhetri made his return to international football on March 19 as the Indian Football Team took on Maldives in a friendly clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. On his return, Chhetri scored the last goal for his side and helped the Blue Tigers clinch a 3-0 win over Maldives in the friendly fixture before the start of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifications. Earlier this month Chhetri reversed his international retirement to again play for the national team.

In the friendly fixture against Maldives, the Blue Tigers dominated the opponents and sealed a stunning 3-0 triumph. It was India's first win after one year and three months. In 2024, India failed to clinch a single win and the triumph on March 19 will give a huge boost to their confidence ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. 

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Rahul Bheke scored in the first goal in the 34th minute from a header. The first half ended with 1-0. In the second half, the Blue Tigers went on to dominate Maldives. Liston Colaco's fiery header put India into a comfortable position in the game. However, that did not stop them from attacking. Just few minutes before the added time of the second half, Sunil Chhetri got the back of the net to score his 95th international goal.

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Just after scoring, Chhetri did not celebrate but he seemed emotional and held back his tears. Later, Chhetri's teammates came towards him and hugged the 40-year-old.

Here's Watch Sunil Chhetri's 95th International Goal

India To Play Against Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Singapore in Asian Cup Qualification

In the AFC Asian Cup Qualification, the Blue Tigers have been placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The upcoming matches will be very important for Manolo Marquez's side after displaying a poor performance in 2024. Last year in June, Chhetri announced his retirement from international football, however, he reversed his decision after India's head coach asked him to make a comeback and helped the Blue Tigers in the upcoming qualifiers.