Kochi set to host India’s AFC qualifier against Hong Kong in March

Kochi: International football is set to return to Kochi after nine years, with the city scheduled to host India's AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31. Following a venue inspection on Feb 19 and 20, an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) team expressed satisfaction with the facilities and granted conditional approval.The AFC has directed Kerala officials and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), the stadium owners, to shut all shops two days before the match."AFC officials indicated that additional work is needed at the stadium and set March 5 as the deadline to complete all activities. The suggested work is feasible and will be finished within the timeframe," said KFA president Navas Meeran.He added that an agreement has been reached with shop owners to close their shops two days before the match.GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai had earlier said efforts were underway to host the India–Hong Kong match in Kochi, but shops within the stadium premises posed a challenge.He said GCDA remains committed to complying with all FIFA and Asian Football Confederation directives.Gas cylinders used by restaurants around the stadium have been replaced with piped gas, resolving a major safety concern.In January, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) proposed Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi as a potential venue. However, after inspecting the stadium, the Asian federation rejected Ranchi, citing the absence of key facilities required to host an international match.Kochi last hosted an international football match in March 2016, when India played Turkmenistan in a World Cup qualifier and lost 1–2. The following year, Kochi hosted the Group D matches of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.