Ambernath United Atlanta FC are all set to make their debut in the third tier of the Indian Football League system, which is the Hero I-League 2. Since their inception just a year ago, AUAFC have managed to win the  MFA Elite Premier League in back-to-back seasons and have also won the coveted Harwood Champions League completing a double in the year 2022 

Having been nominated to represent Maharashtra in the Hero I-League 2, Ambernath United Atlanta FC kick start their season at the famous Cooperage stadium in Mumbai tomorrow. They welcome Hyderabad(R) team tomorrow as the match is scheduled for a 4.30 pm kickoff.

Lets us take a look at the AUAFC squad for the Hero I-League 2 season 2022-23:

Himanshu Patil (C), Allan  Dias, Arif Shaikh, Manoj Gupta, Ashley Koli, Johnson Matthews, Abhijit Tawhare, Shravan Shetty, Aaron D'Costa, Umesh Peramba, Mandeep  Singh Multani, Rahul Murali, Kaustubh Ravindra, Nishant Shetty, Nitesh Monde, Tejas Raut, Bipin Rawat, Bersal Viegas, Vishnu Menon, Yasheel Shah

Read Also: ISL 2022-23: Award Winner's List

With 19 teams all set to compete for promotion to the I-League, Ambernath United Atlanta FC will face the Hyderabad Reserves team from ISL in their opening match. Group D comprises of ARA FC, Dempo, Ambernath United Atlanta FC, FC Goa (R) and Hyderabad FC (R). Two ISL reserve squads and a couple more domestic giants make Group D a tough group. 

Hyderabad FC(R) lost their opening match by a 2-1 scoreline against ARA FC. Dempo also won their opening match by 1-0. ARA FC top Group D followed by Dempo in second place, both on three points.

Ambernath United Atlanta FC have themselves been undefeated for the last two seasons and will now look to start their debut season in I-League 2 with all three points.

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the high-voltage match between India and Bangladesh in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, 

Read Also | India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Here is everything you need to know

This match will be crucial for both teams to kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign. So, sit back and enjoy the game 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.

Enjoy the coverage!

Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters have reportedly finalized appointing their new head coach for next season's edition of India's primary football tournament. 

According to multiple reports, the Manjappadas have roped in former El Salvador manager David Doniga as their new head coach, while the contract negotiations are in the final stages.

Kerala Blasters have finalised their coach and are now into the final stages of contract negotiations. The club expects to have a coach in place in the next 2-3 days.#IndianFootball #ISL #KBFC

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) March 24, 2025

David Doniga will reportedly acquire the Kerala Blasters' hot-seat 

David Doniga has a very impressive coaching career despite taking up jobs mostly as an assistant manager. The 43-year-old Spanish tactician has gathered experience in coaching across 6 countries: Spain, Kuwait, Ecuador, Panama, El Salvador, and Bolivia.

Leading El Salvador to the CONCACAF Nations League A is the most praiseworthy feat Doniga has achieved so far in his career. The Spanish mastermind became the head coach of El Salvador in January 2024 before getting sacked a year later, in February 2025. 

In the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League B Group A, El Salvador topped the group with five wins out of six games, earning promotion to League A, and earning qualification for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well under his managerial radar.

David Dóniga al frente de #LaSelecta:

🇸🇻 15 partidos dirigidos
✅ 7 victorias
🤝 4 empates
❌ 4 derrotas
⚽ 18 goles a favor
🛑 15 goles en contra pic.twitter.com/8mUH1ZGwVh

— Josué Valiente (@JosueValiente47) February 24, 2025

Interestingly, Doniga was on the sidelines when El Salvador faced world champions Argentina in a 0-3 defeat in Philadelphia, US on March 23, 2024. During his tenure, Doniga oversaw 14 matches with El Salvador, achieving 7 victories, 3 draws, and 4 losses

Doniga served as an assistant coach in Kuwaiti football in 2021 and was appointed as an assistant to Thomas Christiansen on the Panama national team, where he also led the under-23 squad. 

The Spanish manager also became a crucial tactical brain behind Panama's brilliant run in the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifying, when Panama finished fifth on the table, missing out of the inter-continental play-off zone for only four points.

In 2022, he had a brief coaching stint with AD Nueve de Octubre in the Ecuadorian Liga Pro Serie A. After that, he worked with Sporting San Miguelito in Panamanian football from June to December 2023.

However, Doniga has experience working in LaLiga as well, having assisted Victor Sanchez as an assistant coach for Real Betis between November 2016 to May 2017. He also assisted Victor for clubs such as Spanish sides Deportivo, Malaga, and Greek side Olympiacos in different short stints.

Doniga holds a UEFA pro License as a coach, whereas he was also featured in the famous 'The Coaches Voice' back in September 2024.

However, nothing has been finalized and there is no official confirmation yet from Kerala Blasters concerning this appointment. 

The Indian National Football Team will go against its Asian counterpart Bangladesh in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on March 25, 2025.

It’s time for the #AsianCup2027 Qualifiers! 🏆

Catch 🇮🇳🆚🇧🇩 LIVE only on @JioHotstar & @StarSportsIndia 3

🕖 19:00 IST
🗓️ March 25#INDBAN #ACQ2027 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/4XDsOniv4q

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 24, 2025

The Blue Tigers faced the Red and Green in the opening game of the 2021 SAFF Championship, which was also their last meeting in competitive stages. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri’s goal was canceled out by Yeasin Arafat in the final quarter of the game, ending the game in a 1-1 stalemate.

However, India and Bangladesh will lock horns in an even more significant match-up, as the teams will leave no stone unturned to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about the India vs Bangladesh match in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Match Details

Match: India vs Bangladesh

Date: 25 March 2025

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, (Polo Ground), Shillong

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

Team News

India

The Blue Tigers have thumped Maldives 3-0 in the first international outing in 2025, stamping a victory after 489 days. Manolo Marquez also earned his first victory as the Head Coach of the national team.

However, India will take up a different challenge against Bangladesh on Tuesday, eyeing a good start to the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India was drawn with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh in Group C, as the campaign will commence against the Bengal Tigers.

With the third consecutive Asian Cup finals appearance at stake, India will look for ways to capitalize on the home advantage in the primary stage of the qualification round.

Captain Sunil Chhetri's comeback from retirement has inspired the Indian team, as the 40-year-old netted a goal in the game against Maldives, and will lead the Blue Tigers from the front against Bangladesh as well.

In the meantime, midfielder Brandon Fernandes has been sidelined due to an injury he suffered during the Maldives match. Forwards Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, and defender Asish Rai have previously left the Indian squad for different injuries.

Manolo Marquez has called up Udanta Singh, another experienced winger along with Macarton Nickson, who has received his maiden call-up for the national team.

🇮🇳⚡️#BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/JNJr5xBFoJ

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 21, 2025

India's fixtures in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Third (Final) Round:

March 25, 2025: India vs Bangladesh (home)
June 10, 2025: Hong Kong vs India (away)
October 9, 2025: India vs Singapore (home)
October 14, 2025: Singapore vs India (away)
November 18, 2025: Bangladesh vs India (away)
March 31, 2026: India vs Hong Kong (home)

Bangladesh

Although the Bengal Tigers have qualified for the Asian Cup only once in 1980, they have been handed a boost with the arrival of Sheffield United midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who has switched his allegiance to Bangladesh. back in December 2024.

The 27-year-old midfielder has played for Leicester City and has made 57 appearances in the Premier League, whereas he has also represented England U-21 in seven matches.

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has previously worked in Indian football as he was the assistant coach of Sporting Clube de Goa between 2013 and 2015.

Jamal Bhuyan, the Bangladeshi skipper is another crucial piece in the Bengal Tigers’ attacking line-up, having emerged from the FC Copenhagen youth ranks and spending a year at Sol De Mayo, a third-tier Argentine side in 2023-24.

Cabrera will also have his full squad available for selection ahead of this huge game against India.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh Squad Against 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YHYyeJ1afG

— Bangladesh Football Live (@bdfootball_live) March 20, 2025

Predicted Line-ups

India

Vishal Kaith (GK);  Rahul Bheke, Valpuia, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Apuia, Ayush Chhetri;  Farukh Choudhary, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco; Sunil Chhetri

Bangladesh

Mitul Marma (GK);  Md Saad Uddin, Shakil Hossan, Topu Barman, Isa Faysal; Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy;  Jamal Bhuyan, Al-Amin, Rakib Hossain;  Shahriar Emon

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has again commented on the plan to integrate Indian-origin footballers into the Indian national football team.

Describing the move as a potential "game-changer" for Indian football, Cahaubey stated that the AIFF is "actively working" to explore the feasibility of this plan.

Kalyan Chaubey confirms efforts to bring Overseas Indian-Origin (OCA) players into Indian football 🇮🇳#allindiafootball #indianfootball pic.twitter.com/WtXosQuKYT

— All India Football (@AllIndiaFtbl) March 21, 2025

However, Chaubey first addressed this issue which dates back to 2023, when he stated that AIFF is "looking to approach" 24 PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) players, who could represent the national team. Although the AIFF chief did not reveal the players' names back then, there have been no updates regarding the approach as well.

Convincingly, Indian football fans have been fuming over these lackluster and aimless plans from AIFF which have not been materialized yet. This is why what Chaubey said to PTI on Thursday, has sparked further dissatisfaction among Indian football fans. 

"Making efforts to create": Does AIFF actually have a plan?

Speaking to PTI, Chaubey has stated the following on the sidelines of the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in New Delhi.

We are making efforts to create a policy framework that allows us to utilise the talent of overseas Indian-origin (OCA) players,

Many countries have already done this, and until we establish clear guidelines, our national team selection will continue to follow existing rules. However, we must recognise that integrating these players could be a game-changer for Indian football.

At present, we are depending on a single player like Sunil Chhetri in crucial moments. The question remains -- who will take his place? We need a long-term plan to develop Indian strikers, especially for the No. 9 and No. 10 positions.

Currently, most clubs prefer foreign strikers in these roles, which hampers the growth of Indian forwards. Our aim is to change that by creating better pathways for our players,

Chaubey's comments have not encouraged Indian football fans much, especially since the AIFF is still 'developing' a policy for OCA players.

In contrast, neighboring country Bangladesh has already landed midfielder Hamza Choudhary, who has represented England at the youth level and has played for Leicester City in the Premier League. He is currently on loan at Sheffield United, which competes in the EFL Championship.

Previous instances regarding the possibility of OCI and PIO players representing India

When Englishman Bob Houghton served as the head coach of the Indian national football team from 2006 to 2011, there were attempts to reach out to Michael Chopra.

Chopra had previously played for England's youth teams and for clubs such as Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, to see if he would be interested in representing India.

Michael Chopra - for a while, this man was arguably the best striker in the championship, consistently bagging for Cardiff over 2 spells. Also spent time at both Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as Ipswich and Blackpool, but it was in South Wales where he made himself a hero pic.twitter.com/vAVW0YHcVd

— random footballers (@RandomEFLers) September 9, 2019

However, a government rule implemented in 2008 thrashed any hopes of including players of Indian origin (PIO) in the national squad. This rule stipulated that PIO and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders must renounce their foreign citizenship and obtain Indian passports to be eligible to play for India.

Read Also | Top 10 Indian-origin footballers who could represent India, if OCI and PIO players were permitted

In 2020, Indian Origin player Aryn Williams, who played for NEROCA FC in 2017-19, shared his story on why he gave up the dreams of representing the Indian National Team. The midfielder, who represented Australia at senior levels, said the following.

That was my ultimate goal, to get an Indian passport and go to the national team, But when I arrived, it just proved to be an impossible task. I went through many agencies and companies but nobody really knew what to do. It was making me stressed so in the end I left it. 

Ryan Williams, who currently plays for Bengaluru FC, has a twin brother, Aryn Williams, who featured for NEROCA FC in India between 2017 and 2019. Interestingly, their maternal grandfather, Linky Grostate, represented Bombay in the Santosh Trophy during the 1950s, highlighting a… pic.twitter.com/5kki9sivAe

— Adipoli Bro (@VinayakSha95237) March 22, 2025

Yan Dhanda, another Indian-origin footballer who previously played for Liverpool in the youth divisions and was also a part of the England U-17 team that won the UEFA U-17 EURO Championship in 2017; expressed his hopes to play for India as a dual citizen. 

Dhanda wrote the following on X (Twitter) in response to the then-AIFF secretary-general Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran.

Giving up my passport means I can’t play professionally in the UK and some European clubs, due to India’s FIFA ranking. Permitting OCI cards, similar to other countries, will allow me to represent the Indian football team as a dual national. I hope this can happen soon

Giving up my passport means I can’t play professionally in the UK and some European clubs, due to India’s FIFA ranking. Permitting OCI cards, similar to other countries, will allow me to represent the Indian football team as a dual national. I hope this can happen soon 🙏🏽 https://t.co/YOfT5YmnIa

— Yan (@yandhanda) March 27, 2023

Back in August 2023, AIFF formulated a task force to conduct a feasibility study of allowing Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to play in the country's national teams.

The task force, which was constituted by Kalyan Chaubey was supposed to explore and analyze the PIO and OCI footballers playing at a higher level and the status of the youth players of the same. It was chaired by Punjab Football Association president Samir Thapar. 

“We will first form a comprehensive database on the OCI and PIO footballers around the world, and then look for the best possible ways to use such players to take Indian football forward."

-- AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) August 14, 2023

Chaubey said this in a press release:

The Task Force's primary objective will be to collect data on footballers who are either Overseas Citizens of India or Persons of Indian Origin. It is a matter of great pride for us that many such footballers are playing in different countries with distinction and have made a name for themselves in the tough world of professional football.

However, its report was supposed to be submitted by January 31, 2024. In December 2023, AIFF confirmed that they are approaching 24 PIO players soon. Chaubey told the following to PTI in an interview:

We are looking to approach 24 PIO players who are playing across the world. But you know there is the issue of dual citizenship (not being permitted to play for India). So, we have to see how this can be done within the framework of the Central Government’s rules,

We are having internal discussions on the matter and will come out with more details once more clarity is established.

Former Indian coach Igor Stimac had strongly advocated multiple times for the inclusion of OCI and PIO players into the national team. Post his sacking, Stimac summed up the situation via his comments. He stated:

India’s football is in prisons. No involvement of OCI players. Without PIO/OCI, football development in India is going to be difficult. It’ll take at least two decades to develop world-class players from India.

I’m not sure if there is any other country which is not allowing players of their origin to represent their country.” 

It is a huge handicap because there are many good players of Indian origin playing in the top leagues of Europe. So it could be a big help if we speak about bigger achievements.

The Pathways for OCI Card Holders to represent India

(The following are extracted from an article by Legal World-Economic Times) 

FIFA regulations state that a player must hold the passport of the country they represent. The Commentary on the Rules Governing Eligibility to Play for Representative Teams published by FIFA also mentions that:

"The only document considered to be valid proof of a player's identity and nationality shall be a permanent international passport that explicitly, and in Latin characters, states the player's full name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality".

Furthermore, the FIFA regulations for the World Cup 2022 state that "A player without a valid permanent international passport shall not be entitled to play."

A country's policy regarding dual or multiple citizenship is associated with its policy regarding eligibility criteria for athletes. Athletes representing a country that has dual or multiple citizenship are generally permitted to play on their teams and by their names. Australia, Brazil, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa are some of the countries that embrace dual citizenship. An athlete has to forgo their existing nationality and seek naturalization in the nation they wish to represent in nations that do not accept dual nationality, such as India.

All those persons who were born in India or whose parents were born in India are entitled to Indian citizenship as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Other requirements of acquiring, determining, and withdrawing Indian citizenship are stated in the Citizenship Act of 1955. But dual citizenship is not allowed under the Citizenship Act of 1955.

As per Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, a person who has acquired citizenship of some other country cannot be a citizen of India unless he relinquishes his citizenship in that country by making a declaration in a proper format. In addition, no Indian national can acquire citizenship of any foreign nation freely, as stated by Article 9 of the Indian Constitution.

The Indian government takes a firm stance on citizenship restrictions, which prohibit dual citizenship. Unless there is a drastic change in policy, only Indian citizens would be eligible to represent the country in international tournaments. Regardless of ability, every OCI or PIO card holder is ineligible.

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the FIFA International friendly match between India and Maldives, scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Read Also | India vs Maldives FIFA Friendly 2025: Here is everything you need to know

This match will be crucial for both teams ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign begin next week. 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