Emotional Sunil Chhetri Scores 95th Career Goal on Return to Indian Team

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Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri made a heartfelt return to the national team on Wednesday, scoring a remarkable goal in India's 3-0 victory over the Maldives during an international friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Chhetri announced his retirement in June 2024 after participating in a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, where he played in front of nearly 59,000 spectators in Kolkata. However, on March 8, he decided to come out of retirement, aiming to help India prepare for the Asian Cup in 2027.

In the 76th minute of the match, Chhetri found the net when Liston Colaco delivered a beautiful cross to the near post. The 40-year-old showcased his skill by manoeuvring in front of defenders and directing a header past the goalkeeper. This goal marked his 95th career goal, solidifying his position as history's fourth-highest men's international goalscorer.

Chhetri chose not to celebrate, instead looking skyward and closing his eyes before receiving congratulations from his teammates. The captain, playing his first match in nine months, was visibly emotional, fighting back tears after scoring. He was substituted shortly thereafter.

India's first win under Manolo Marquez

In a match regarded as a crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh at the same location in less than a week, Marquez strategically guided India to a convincing 3-0 victory. This marked India's first win in 16 months and the inaugural victory under Marquez, who took over the coaching role in July of the previous year. India's last triumph occurred on November 16, 2023, when they defeated Kuwait 1-0 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying round in Kuwait City. Before Wednesday's match, India had experienced one loss and three draws under Marquez's leadership.

Rahul Bheke opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a powerful header from a cross delivered by Brandon, giving India the lead. Colcao then extended the advantage to 2-0 by converting a corner taken by Mahesh in the 66th minute, celebrating with a 'Siuu' gesture.

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