The AFC has accepted India's bid to host the third round of the 2023 China AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers from June 8, 2022. The AIFF will be hosting the leg at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The AFC in an official statement: "While 13 teams, including host China PR, have already qualified by virtue of their earlier performances in the second round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers; the final 11 places remain up for grabs for 24 teams; in the decisive Group Stage to be held in June across all five AFC zones in six host nations; – India, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan,".
The AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers will begin on 8th June followed by 2 more match days on 11th and 14th June. However, the group winners and the best 5 second-placed teams will get their berth fixed; for the Asian Cup in China which is scheduled to kick off on June 16, 2023.
On the other hand, the AFC has confirmed that the 24 participating teams will be divided into five seeding Pots; including the Host MAs pot. And all these teams will be seeded according to their FIFA World Rankings.
As per India's current ranking of 104 will be placed in position 1 of the group that they are drawn in.
AIFF in their Statement
"We had bid to host the third round Qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023; and are grateful to the Asian Football Confederation for accepting our bid," saidAIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das. "We understand that playing at home, and that too in Kolkata will be an added advantage to the Blue Tigers; in our quest to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023."
"We had bid with Kolkata as the venue for the qualifiers. The infrastructure in Kolkata is exceptionally suited to host the qualifiers with the stadium, the practice venues, and official accommodation all very closely located. The support from the host Association and the State Government has also always been exemplary," He further added. "We hope that the health parameters in June will allow fans to witness live action in the stadium."
India vs Maldives FIFA Friendly 2025: Here is everything you need to know
Check the latest updates, news, where to watch the game, and everything you need to know about the FIFA Friendly football match between India and Maldives, scheduled for 19 March 2025.
Before the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying campaigns begin next week, India and the Maldives will face each other to prepare for their respective matches in the third qualifying round.
The teams will meet for the first time after October 2021, when India defeated Maldives 3-1 in the 2021 SAFF Championship group stage. Currently, India is ranked 126th in the FIFA International Men's Ranking, whereas Maldives is positioned 162nd.
Last time out against Maldives 🔙🇲🇻 🏆 SAFF Championship 2021
From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about India vs Maldives FIFA International Friendly matchin the March 2025 FIFA int'l window.
Indian football fans can watch the India vs Maldives friendly match streamed live on Star Sports Network. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar App and the JioHotstar website.
Head-to-head stats
Matches played: 21
India Wins: 15
Malaysia wins: 4
Draws: 2
Team News
India
Indian team in Shillong. (Image Credit | IFT on X)
It has been almost 18 months sinceIndialast experienced a victory in an international fixture,which came against Kuwait, beating them 1-0 away from homein the second round of World Cup Qualifiers.
Indiais yet to win a match under Igor Stimac's successor Manolo Marquez since his appointment in July 2024. India suffered a goalless draw against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup 2024, which was also the Spaniard's debut game in charge; and the Blue Tigers lost their second match by 0-3 against Syria.
During the international break in October, India was held to a 1-1 against Vietnam in a friendly, and again, shared the spoils against Malaysia in a 1-1 stalemate in November 2024.
However, the Indian team will commence their journey in the Qualifiers to reach the third consecutive Asian Cup next week as they will face Bangladesh on March 25. Manolo will also leave his position at FC Goa at the end of the season to focus solely on the national side.
Manolo Márquez names the India squad for March FIFA Window 🇮🇳
🗣️ Márquez: "The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National… pic.twitter.com/TlwShiL7hb
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025
Indian legend Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to play for India again, but star forward Lallianzuala Chhagte has been sidelined due to an injury. Defender Asish Rai has been ruled out as well and will be replaced by Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who got his maiden national call-up.
Last 5 matches: L D L D D
Maldives
Maldives team training at Galolhu Stadium, Male, Maldives. (Image Credit | Athoof Athif / Adhadhu Sports)
Maldiveshas only played two friendlies in the last 18 months, both against Bangladesh in November 2024.The Red Snappers won the first one 1-0 but faced a 1-2 defeat in the following match.
However, after the controversial departure of former head coachFrancesco Moriero in 2023, Ali Suzain was appointed as the new head coach, which marks his second spell at the helm.
Suzain has picked up a relatively younger squad for the clash against India, which will help them to analyze the team better before they start their Asian Cup qualifying campaign in the next week as well. Maldives will face Philippines on 25 March to begin their quest to reach Asian Cup 2027.
Maldives has no current news of any concerning injury, as they will have their full squad fit and available for the encounter against India.
ISL 2024-25 Playoffs Fixtures and Format: Everything you need to know
Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC will compete in the ISL playoffs. Here is everything you need to know about ISL 2024-25 Playoffs Fixtures and Format.
Following a tight contention in the league stage to seal passage into theIndian Super League 2024-25 knockout phase, six teams have secured their appearance for the playoffs.
The league stage of 2024-25 ended with a dead-rubber game on Wednesday as Kerala Blasters and Hyderabad FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate.
The Mariners successfully defended their ISL League Shield as well, becoming the first-ever team in ISL history to achieve this feat, having earned a record 56 points in 24 matches.
Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC also booked their places in the playoffs. NorthEast United FC secured the fourth spot with 38 points in 24 games, whereas Jamshedpur FC finished in fifth place with the same points, but fell short in the goal difference.
The sixth and final playoff spot was clinched by Mumbai City FC, with 36 points in 24 games following a 2-0 victory against Bengaluru FC in the final match of the regular season.
Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC all finished with 38 points after 24 games. For teams that have the same number of points, their head-to-head record is considered first. If their head-to-head results are tied at 1-1 or if they have drawn, then goal difference is taken into account.
According to this rule, Bengaluru FC had a win and a draw against Northeast United FC, which is why they are ranked above. Jamshedpur FC also has the points as Bengaluru and NorthEast, but their head-to-head record is lower, which is why they are placed below the other two.
ISL Playoffs Format
(Image Source | X)
The top six teams from the league stage qualify for the playoffs, with the top two teams ensuring a direct place in the two-legged semi-finals.
Additionally, the team that finishes at the top of the table after the league stage wins the League Shield and secures a place in the group phase of the AFC Champions League Two.
The four teams that finish in the third to sixth positions will compete for a spot in the semi-finals through a playoff round. Notably, the playoffs are decided in a single-legged knockout game which is played in the home ground of the team that finished higher on the leaderboard.
To award some deserving advantage to the third and fourth placed teams in the league stage, the third-placed team takes on the sixth-placed side, whereas the fourth-placed and fifth-placed team meet in the other playoff.
The winners of the play-offs will advance to the semi-finals and will compete against the first two teams for a place in the ISL 2024-25 Final.
ISL 2024-25 Playoffs Fixtures
Mumbai City won the ISL Cup in the 2023-24 season. (Image Credit | MCFC)
Pending an official confirmation, ISL 2024-25 playoffs are likely to be played on March 29 and 30, whereas the semifinals are scheduled for the first week of April.
According to reports, the first legs of the semi-finals are supposed to be played on April 2 and 3; and the return legs will take place on April 6 and 7, respectively.
However, here are the confirmed match-ups in the ISL 2024-25 Playoffs.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the most crucial encounter of the last match-week between Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru FC have already qualified for the play-offs, currently positioned fourth with 38 points in 23 matches. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC need to earn a point tonight to secure their qualification, as they are in the seventh position, having accumulated 33 points in 23 matches.
Tonight, both teams will take the field for their last league stage outing for the 2024-25 season. So, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.
This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores
Odisha FC crash out, as Mumbai secure all three points to go past the Juggernauts and finish the sixth position!
Mar 11, 2025, 3:55 PM
90'+7' | Here goes the full-time whistle! | FT BFC 0-2 MCFC
Mar 11, 2025, 3:53 PM
90'+3' | Substitutions for Mumbai City FC
In: Thaer Krouma, Bipin Singh
Out: Jorge Ortiz, Vikram Pratap Singh
Mar 11, 2025, 3:52 PM
90' | 6 minutes of stoppage time announced
Mar 11, 2025, 3:51 PM
90' | Sublime block by Salah!
Sahil attempted to grab the long ball but slipped it on the other way, as Vikram found the ball on the right, but his strike was supremely blocked by Salah on the line!
Mar 11, 2025, 3:50 PM
90' | Brilliant save from Sahil!
Ortiz found a ball inside the six-yard box following an error from Roshan. but Sahil stayed tall and made a huge save to deny Ortiz from striking it.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:47 PM
89' | Yellow for Roshan
Naorem Roshan Singh is shown a yellow for a foul.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:46 PM
88' | Mendez is cautioned
Edgar Mendez receives a booking for a tough foul.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:44 PM
85' | Save from Sahil!
Sahil Poonia executed a brilliant save diving down to the ground, as Sahil Panwar made a clearance on the second ball.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:43 PM
85' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Soham Varshneya
Out: Suresh Wangjam
Mar 11, 2025, 3:43 PM
84' | Chance for Mumbai!
Vikram Pratap fired into the box but his strike soared past the left post.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:41 PM
83' | Chance for Bengaluru
Shivaldo's header came unfruitful but Shivaldo's quick strike from close to the six-yard box went wide off the right post.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:38 PM
79' | What an effort from Vikram!
Vikram Pratap unleashed a blistering strike from the right that traveled a long distance before striking the crossbar following a fingertip touch from Sahil Poonia!
Mar 11, 2025, 3:35 PM
76' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Mohamed Salah
Out: Namgyal Bhutia
Mar 11, 2025, 3:31 PM
73' | Substitutions for Mumbai City FC
In: Sahil Panwar, Jayesh Rane
Out: Nathan Rodrigues, Brandon Fernandes
Mar 11, 2025, 3:30 PM
72' | Fanai is booked
Fanai gets booked for a foul.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:26 PM
67' | So close for Mendez!
Sunil Chhetri headed the ball in toward Mendez, who sprinted in one on one position against Lachenpa, but fired his strike just inches wide off the far post.
So close for the Blues!
Mar 11, 2025, 3:20 PM
61' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
In: Shivaldo Singh
Out: Vinith Venkatesh
Mar 11, 2025, 3:19 PM
60' | Substitution for Mumbai City FC
In: Jon Toral
Out: Nikos Karelis
Mar 11, 2025, 3:16 PM
55' | Chance for Ortiz
Ortiz attempted a quick strike from inside the box, but got blocked immediately.
Mar 11, 2025, 3:03 PM
46' | Second half begins
Mar 11, 2025, 3:03 PM
Half-time substitution | Bengaluru FC
In: Sivasakthi Narayanan
Out: Ryan Williams
Mar 11, 2025, 2:48 PM
45'+4' | Here goes the half-time whistle! | HT BFC 0-2 MCFC
Mar 11, 2025, 2:46 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time announced
Mar 11, 2025, 2:46 PM
45' | Great deny from Lachenpa!
Lachenpa made a timely outing to deny Sunil Chhetri from having a strike while close to the goal following a brilliant long ball.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:42 PM
42' | Yellow for Ryan
Ryan Williams is shown the yellow for a nasty foul.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:38 PM
38' | Goal. Karelis scores. | BFC 0-2 MCFC
Nikos Karelis converted it with a powerful strike from the spot as the ball fired in through the right-bottom corner.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:36 PM
36' | Penalty for Mumbai!
Jovanovic shielded Karelis inside the box, as the striker fell down and very shockingly, the referee called for a penalty!
Very, very poor decision!
Mar 11, 2025, 2:32 PM
29' | Chance for Mumbai
Brandon Fernandes had an attempt from a distance, but got blocked.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:27 PM
26' | Great block from Tiri!
Ryan Williams unleashed a strike from just the edge of the box, but Tiri threw himself on the line to execute a masterful block!
Mar 11, 2025, 2:22 PM
21' | Slowdown
The game has mostly been played in the middle of the park for the last ten minutes, resulting in a slower approach from both sides.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:12 PM
11' | Save from Sahil
Vicious grounded pass from Vikram from the right flank, but Sahil Poonia made a great save to punch the ball away, denying Karelis from a tap-in.
Mar 11, 2025, 2:09 PM
8' | GOALLL! Chhangte scores! | BFC 0-1 MCFC
Jorge Ortiz chipped the ball powerfully from inside the box, which rattled the crossbar, but Karelis' header from the rebound went to the other way. However, Chhangte made no mistake in slotting the ball home from the right!
Mar 11, 2025, 2:07 PM
5' | Offside
Chhangte and Brandon combined up front and found the back of the net as well, but the goal is disallowed due to offside.
Mumbai City FC is currently in seventh place with 33 points and needs just a draw to surpass Odisha FC, who is in sixth place with the same number of points, and qualify for the playoffs. However, the Islanders have not won any of their last four matches, recording two draws and two losses. Meanwhile, the Blues have secured a spot in the top six and are presently in fourth place with 38 points from 23 games.
Mar 11, 2025, 11:53 AM
Earlier this season
On 2 October 2024, Mumbai City and Bengaluru shared a point apiece in a goalless stalemate at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.
Mar 11, 2025, 11:49 AM
Tonight's venue | Sree Kanteerava Stadium
Mar 11, 2025, 11:49 AM
How to watch the match?
The live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports network in India. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. This evening, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the thrilling encounter between NorthEast United FC and East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
NorthEast United are currently positioned fifth on the leaderboard with 35 points in 23 games. On the total contrary, East Bengal are positioned eighth, having earned 28 points in 23 matches.
This evening, both teams will take the field for the last league stage game of the 2024-25 season. However, the Highlanders will look to progress on the league table, whereas the Red and Gold Brigade have nothing to lose, as they are already out of the qualification race.
So, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.
This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.
LIVE Updates
Mar 8, 2025, 1:30 PM
ISL 2024-25 table after this game
NorthEast and East Bengal wrap up their ISL 2024-25 league stage campaign.
Debjit punched the ball away, as East Bengal's defensive error led the ball to Bemammer. The Moroccan midfielder fired the ball into the net with a powerful right-footed strike from a distance!
Mar 8, 2025, 1:13 PM
84' | Second yellow for Tanmay
Tanmay Das gets the second yellow for committing another foul, and he is sent off.
East Bengal are down to ten men.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:09 PM
78' | GOAL. Ajaraie converts! | NEUFC 3-0 EBFC
Alaaeddine Ajaraie has completed his brace, as his low strike from the spot beat Debjit through the bottom-right corner.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:06 PM
76' | Penalty for NorthEast!
Tanmoy Das seemingly fouled Alaaeddine Ajaraie inside the penalty area, as the referee whistled for a penalty!
Well, the TV replay clearly shows it was a minimal connection. That cannot be a penalty.
Another unfair decision against the Kolkata giants.
Mar 8, 2025, 1:04 PM
75' | Substitutions for East Bengal
In: Sayan Banerjee, Anandhu Nambrath Sundran
Out: Hira Mondal, PV Vishnu
Mar 8, 2025, 1:02 PM
73' | Close chance for Guillermo!
Guillermo Fernandez found himself in a one on one situation with Debjit, but his strike went inches off the far post!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:59 PM
66' | Yellow for Tanmoy
Tanmoy Das received a booking.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:58 PM
Milestone alert!
Alaaeddine Ajaraie becomes the fourth footballer in the Indian Super League history to score against every opposition in a single season.
Miku, Kalu Uche and Coro previously achieved this feat.
Macarton headed the ball on target, but the second ball was taken down by Macarton with his hand. Debjit made a save but the rebound was powerfully slotted in by Ajaraie!
However, this was a clear handball and East Bengal players also appealed strongly, but the goal stands.
It is another unfair decision against East Bengal.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:54 PM
65' | Debjit stays resilient!
Bemammer took a first-time grounded strike that was well-stopped by Debjit!
Nestor Albiach has found the breakthrough for NorthEast!
Ajaraie backheeled a pass to Tondonba running on the left, who delivered a low cross inside the box that was slotted inside with a swift touch from Nestor Albiach.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:45 PM
56' | Another great stop from Debjit!
Nestor Albiach chipped the ball from inside a crowd on the right, but Debjit made a huge stop on a full stretch!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:40 PM
51' | Yellow for Suman
Suman Dey received a booking for a foul.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:39 PM
50' | Chance for NorthEast
Parthib Gogoi entered the box from the left, as he cut inside and attempted a shot, but the ball soared over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:38 PM
46' | Second half begins
Mar 8, 2025, 12:34 PM
Half-time substitutions | NorthEast United
In: Parthib Gogoi, Robin Yadav
Out: Mayakkannan, Sumit Rathi
Mar 8, 2025, 12:19 PM
45'+4' | The half-time whistle is blown | HT NEUFC 0-0 EBFC
Mar 8, 2025, 12:17 PM
45'+1' | Good effort from Jesin
Jesin TK dribbled past the opposition defender to cut inside and slotted a left-footed shot from the right, but it went over the crossbar.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:16 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time announced
Mar 8, 2025, 12:15 PM
44' | Chance for East Bengal
Cleiton cut NorthEast's defence in halves with a forward pass from the top of the box, which was followed by David, but he fell down as Mirshad came forward to make a collection.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:12 PM
41' | Marvellous save from Mirshad!
PV Vishnu received the long ball from Hira Mondal from the down the middle. Vishnu entered the penalty area from the left as he cut inside and unleashed a right-footed inswing curler that was punched over the crossbar by Mirshad!
Such brilliance from both Vishnu and Mirshad!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:10 PM
40' | Chance for NorthEast
Ajaraie tried to test his luck with a quick and powerful strike, but the ball got deflected.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:07 PM
37' | Good stop from Debjit
The long-ranger effort from Nestor Albiach from a distance was calmly stopped and grabbed by the East Bengal custodian.
Mar 8, 2025, 12:03 PM
32' | What a save from Debjit!
Ajaraie delivered a vicious cross from the left, as Nestor Albiach got to the end of it to power an on-target header. Debjit stopped the shot from going in with a brilliant punch, sending the ball over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 12:02 PM
32' | Easy catch for Mirshad
This time Cleiton kept his shot on target, but Mirshad made a routine collection.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:56 AM
25' | So close for Guillermo!
Receiving a long ball from the middle of the park, Guillermo followed it up to the touchline and slotted a strike, but the ball only went past the target.
Lucky survival for East Bengal!
Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM
22' | Yellow for Dinesh
Dinesh Singh gets booked for a foul.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:53 AM
22' | Off target from Cleiton
Cleiton Silva soared the set-piece free-kick just inches over the crosspiece.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:52 AM
17' | Chance for East Bengal
David unleashed an ambitious long-ranger from the left, but the ball went too high over the crossbar!
Mar 8, 2025, 11:44 AM
13' | Chance for Bemammer
Dinesh headed the ball into the box from the right, which was anticipated by Bemammer in the center of the box, but his acrobatic volleyed effort went over the target.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:43 AM
12' | Wide from Nestor
Nestor Albiach attempted a strike following a second ball off a free-kick move, but his shot deflected off the opposition defence.
Mar 8, 2025, 11:38 AM
7' | Great block from Debjit
Following a corner, Dinesh Singh tried to find the back of the net with a grounded strike from the left, but Debjit Majumder made a crucial save.
On November 29th, 2024, East Bengal FC defeated NorthEast United 1-0 in the reverse fixture at the VYBK in Kolkata. Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the only goal, whereas East Bengal's Lalchungnunga and NorthEast's Bemammer both were sent off in the heated game.
Mar 8, 2025, 8:16 AM
Looking to end the campaign on a high
Coach Bino and Jesin spoke about the squad's determination to end our #ISL campaign on a positive note! 💯
Football fans in India can watch the game in ISL 2024-25 on Star Sports Network, Sports18 3 TV Channel, the JioHotstar App, and the JioHotstar website.
AIFF confirms Super Cup to return to Bhubaneswar in April 2025
AIFF has confirmed that Super Cup is set to return to Bhubaneswar in April 2025, with tentative dates from April 18 to 27, pending official confirmation.
The 2025 edition of the AIFFSuper Cupwill be hosted at Bhubaneswar in Odisha, likely in the second week of April. The event is the premier annual Indian football cup tournament, and this will be the second consecutive Super Cup tournament in the state of Odisha.
AIFF have also announced the tentative dates for the competition to be planned between April 18 and 27, but the official confirmation is yet to arrive.
AIFF confirms the venue and tentative dates for Super Cup 2025
(Image Credit | Deccan Herald)
This will be the fifth edition of the tournament and is open to the two top divisions of Indian football, featuring the Indian Super League and the I-League, respectively.
The Super Cup replaced the Federation Cup in 2018, and three of the last four editions have taken place in Bhubaneswar.
In 2024, the tournament was a 16-team competition and featured all 12 teams from the Indian Super League and four teams from the I-League. It started with the group stage and progressed to a 4-team knockout tournament.
Although the format and the final dates of the 2025 edition of this tournament are yet to be announced, there are speculations of changing the format in the upcoming editions. The winner of this tournament will also qualify for the qualifiers of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two, the second division of the Asian club football competition.
⚽ The 2025 Super Cup is heading back to Bhubaneswar, Odisha! 🏆🔥
Reports suggest that India's premier club football tournament will take place in the second week of April, marking Odisha’s second consecutive year as host.
Anilkumar Prabhakaran, the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), said the following to Sportstar:
Yes, the tournament will happen in Bhubaneswar, but the other details (exact dates and format) have not been decided yet. It will be finalised in the next few days
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