Shillong, Feb 18: Intensive preparations are underway as the Government of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya Football Association gear up to host two international football matches featuring the Indian senior men’s team next month.
Indian team’s Assistant Coach, Mahesh Gawali, visited Shillong today to inspect the JN Stadium and the practice ground at North-Eastern Hill University. Earlier this month, the All India Football Federation confirmed that the JN Stadium will host two international fixtures – a FIFA friendly against Maldives on March 19 and an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
Praising the upgraded JN Stadium, Gawali remarked, “This is one of the best football grounds in the entire country,” as he closely examined the lush green pitch, stands, and changing rooms. While work continues on improving the practice ground, discussions were held between Gawali and Meghalaya Football Association Vice-President Cliff Nongrum regarding the installation of portable changing rooms and other facilities.
Gawali emphasized the importance of a practice ground with permanent facilities, stating that it would “really make Shillong the complete package for football of international standard.”
India has been drawn into Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers final round, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The teams will compete in a home-and-away round-robin format until March 2026, with the group winners earning a place in the prestigious tournament.