Kamal Ghorui
Panaji: In its effort to take football to “newer pockets”, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi as probable venue for India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31.Despite being the highest-ranked side in the group, India are without a win in five matches and already out of the race to qualify for the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia.The AIFF wants the international game to take place at a new venue with Ranchi now awaiting clearance from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).According to sources, Ranchi will need extensive work on the dressing rooms to meet international requirements. A senior match commissioner, deputed by AFC, will inspect the stadium early next month and submit his report for a final decision.“In the last three years, we have taken football to newer pockets where the enthusiasm has been tremendous,” a senior AIFF official told TOI. “We have had international matches in Shillong and Imphal in the northeast and now Ranchi looks like a good option.”The AIFF official said Kerala and Bengal, two states known for its passionate football fans, were ruled out due to assembly elections in March-April.“It’s better to give states who do not traditionally host I-League or ISL matches a chance, so that football can be expanded. Ranchi has a good stadium, the govt has made an investment but has not hosted a good football match,” said the official, who conceded that “dressing rooms are a concern.”AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey is expected to hold talks with officials in Ranchi next week.Singapore edged Hong Kong 2-1 in the last round to confirm the group C qualification ticket, joining Syria – who booked the group E top spot earlier. The two join the 18 teams who advanced to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 at Saudi Arabia 2027. The final four spots will be decided on March 31.
