The Indian senior men's team are in action against Maldives in a FIFA International friendly, that is being played at the newly-renovated JLN Stadium in Meghalaya, Shillong on Wednesday, March 19. (Match Blog | Football News)
Moreover, the stadium will also play host to the India vs Bangladesh, AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers game on March 25.
This is the first time that the JLN Stadium will host a senior men's international game after it was renovated last year.
The stadium is a 15000-seater arena and has hosted many domestic tournaments and leagues including Durand Cup, Indian Super League, I-League, I-League 2nd Division among others.
India's national team coach Manolo Marquez was impressed with the city's atmosphere, fan support and other aspects especially when he managed FC Goa for the Durand Cup games last year.
"It is the first time we are playing here, but I have worked with a lot of coaches and players from here. I knew it's a very nice place,” Marquez said in press-conference ahead of the tie.
“I remember when I watched the Durand Cup in Shillong last year, I said, 'Wow, the ground, crowd, atmosphere, everything is nice.' I'm not joking, I said, I said it'd be great if one day, the national team could play here," he added.
India vs Maldives: India's full squad
Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh
