Shillong, Feb 18: The Government of Meghalaya and Meghalaya Football Association are undertaking intensive behind-the-scenes preparations as Shillong gears up to host two international football matches featuring the Indian senior men’s team in March.

Today saw the visit of the Indian team’s Assistant Coach, Mahesh Gawali, to the city where he inspected the JN Stadium and practice ground at North-Eastern Hill University. The All India Football Federation confirmed earlier this month that the JN Stadium will host two India international matches next month – a FIFA friendly against Maldives on 19 March and an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Bangladesh on 25 March.

Gawali opined that a practice ground with permanent facilities would make Shillong the complete package for football of international standard.

Gawali lavished praise on the renovated JN Stadium, calling it “one of the best football grounds” in the entire country as he examined the lush green pitch, stands, and changing rooms. Work is still going on to improve the practice ground. Gawali and the MFA, represented by its Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, discussed the possibility of installing portable changing rooms, etc.

India has been drawn in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers’ final round, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The teams will play each other twice in a home-and-away round-robin format until March 2026. The group winners will make it to the Asian Cup tournament proper.