The Indian football team will face the Maldives in a friendly match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Wednesday. This encounter is not just a warm-up but a chance for the team to solidify their strategies and make necessary adjustments with the qualifiers looming. With a passionate fan base expected to attend, the Blue Tigers will be seeking their first win under the Marquez era.

However, the team is grappling with injury setbacks, notably the absence of forward Lallianzuala Chhangte, which complicates their attacking options. India’s recent performance has been inconsistent, with three draws and two losses in their last five matches. The team failed to secure a win in 2024, with their last victory occurring in November 2023 against Kuwait. highlighting the urgency for improvement as they aim to build momentum.

In contrast, Maldives will similarly view this friendly as a vital opportunity to hone their competitive edge and refine their tactical approach, before the AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign begins. The Maldives squad is reporting a clean bill of health, with all players fit and available for selection, potentially providing them with a tactical advantage as they have more options to choose from.

Head-to-head record

India's historical dominance over the Maldives, with 15 wins out of 21 encounters, adds extra pressure to maintain their edge. As both teams look to refine their strategies and build confidence, the match promises to be an exciting lead-up to their respective qualifying campaigns.

The last time these two teams clashed was at the 2021 SAFF Championship, where India recorded a convincing 3-1 victory, further solidifying their dominance in this particular rivalry.

Match played – 21

India won– 15

Maldives won– 4

Draw – 2

What the coaches said

Manolo Marquez, appointed India's head coach in July 2024, views the upcoming friendly as a vital opportunity to fine-tune his team before their Asian Cup qualifier. He emphasized the desire to win, stating the previous FIFA windows were aimed at preparing the team for their crucial match against Bangladesh next Tuesday.

"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,” he said.

Maldives head coach Ali Suzain said: "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."

In conclusion, the friendly match between India and the Maldives serves as a crucial platform for both teams to gauge their readiness for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. With India's struggles in recent performances and the historical advantage they hold over the Maldives, this encounter will be a significant test for Manolo Marquez's squad. As both teams look to refine their strategies and build confidence, the match promises to be an exciting lead-up to their respective qualifying campaigns.

Match Details

Fixture: India vs Maldives

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong

Date: Wednesday 19, 2025

Streaming and Telecast: Star Sports 3, Jio Hotstar