New Delhi, 15 March (H.S.): The Indian men's football team will conclude its AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifying campaign against Hong Kong China on March 31 at Kerala's Jawahar Lal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, kicking off at 7:00 PM IST.This fixture marks Kochi's first senior international match in nearly a decade, since India's FIFA World Cup qualifier versus Turkmenistan in March 2016—the last time the Blue Tigers played in Kerala. Though both teams are eliminated from qualification contention, crucial FIFA ranking points remain at stake, spurring India to end on a high.

Kochi becomes the third distinct home venue in the final round after Shillong (versus Bangladesh in March) and Margao (against Singapore in October), underscoring India's diverse hosting strategy despite the dead-rubber status. The revamped stadium, with enhanced facilities, eagerly awaits the national side's return.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar