Shillong, India (18th March) - Maldives National Football Team head coach Ali Suzain reiterated that his team will "give best for the people" in their friendly match against India in Shillong.
Maldives will face India in a FIFA International Friendly on Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. This will be a preparation game ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers.
“Thank you for the hospitality here. We’re playing Philippines on the 25th, so it’s a preparation match for us. But it’s an important one since India and Maldives are two strong sides in this region. I hope it will be a good fight." Suzain made the statement during a press conference held in India today.
Over the past 18 months, the Maldives played just two international matches, one against Bangladesh last November, which they won, and the other, which they lost.
“Although we haven’t played much at the international level these days, I have been with these players for a long time. I know them very well and I know their strengths and weaknesses and how to work on them. The players also have confidence in me. Maldives is a football country. Every island has football pitches. We will give our best for the people of Maldives." Suzain stated.
Indian talisman, Sunil Chhetri made a return from his international retirement from Indian National Football Team. This was a decision made after a conversation between Chhetri, Indian Football Federation and coach, Manolo Marquez.
For Marquez, Maldives match will be his first competitive match since becoming India’s head coach in July 2024.
“It’s a friendly game to prepare for the Asian Cup qualifier. Obviously, we want to win. We knew that the target during the previous FIFA windows was to arrive in the best possible condition for the first competitive match against Bangladesh next Tuesday" Marquez stated.
Marquez is set to give chance to maximum players against Maldives.
"Obviously, you can’t change all 11. Some will repeat on Tuesday. I’m confident in all my players. It has to be a good game and a good preparation for Bangladesh."
Marquez also confirmed Chhetri’s involvement in the friendly match that will mark his 152nd cap for India.
“For sure, Sunil will play some minutes. I don’t know whether as a starter or from the bench. We can use six substitutions, so 17 players can play, and I think Sunil will be one of them," Marquez defended his decision to recall Chhetri.
Marquez believes Chhetri will play a vital role in upcoming two matches againt South Asian rivals.
“He is the Indian player with the most goals this season. 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. Developed players have to arrive here. The main team needs to win games. And if we need to win games, we need to call players who are in better shape," said Marquez.
India has triumphed in 15 of their previous encounters with the Maldives, tomorrow's match, set to kick off at 18:30 MDV time, will mark the first match between the two teams in the past four years.
