Shillong, March 19 -- Indian football team defender Rahul Bheke anticipates a litmus test as the Blue Tigers prepare to face the Maldives in a friendly match before their AFC Asian Cup qualification third-round game against Bangladesh, as per the ISL official website.

India's quest to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will begin against neighbours Bangladesh as both sides will face off in the third-round qualifying fixture. The Blue Tigers will face the Maldives in a one-off friendly prior to that, against whom the hosts target their first win in the Manolo Marquez era. Since taking over the charges as the national team head coach, the Spaniard hasn't managed to get a victory with the national team, with India drawing thrice and sufferi...