Tri- nation series shifts to Mumbai

by Chittu Shetty August 9, 2017

AIFF shifts the Tri- Nation tournament to Mumbai from Chennai, as the city of dreams gets ready to hosts its first International football tournament.

Mumbai’s luck in hosting India’s football matches seem to be changing drastically and for good reasons. After a dry period of almost 61 years, Mumbai hosted their first International football game last year against Puerto Rico, and now it will be their 3^rd one within a year. India have won both their previous matches in Mumbai, a 4-1 victory against Puerto Rico followed by a 2-0 win over Nepal.

According to reliable sources, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu were given a 15 days’ time i.e. until 9^th August to get the NOC failure of which would mean, AIFF having to change the Venue to operate their Logistics. Mumbai and Bengaluru were the two cities under the AIFF radar as backup. But since bengaluru’s Kanteerva Stadium will be hosting Bengaluru FC’s AFC Cup inter-Zonal Semi-Final game against North Korean side 4.25 SC, the honour was given to Mumbai.

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Andheri Sports Complex hosted its first International game in over six decades last year when India faced Puerto Rico in Mumbai. The host came out as comfortable winners thanks to goals from Narayan Das, Sunil Chhetri, Jeje and Jackichand Singh. The stadium got a positive response from fans and players alike for its close proximity between stands and ground. India’s Football coach Stephen Contastine had said after the Puerto Rico game, “The atmosphere from the Mumbai fans was excellent. Although it was 6,000-7,000, it felt like 20,000 at times” Even the opponents coach David Guillemat described the atmosphere as ‘unbelievable’. “The crowd was something we thought we knew about, but playing here was a completely different experience,” Guillemat had said in the post-match conference.

Mumbai Fans were also applauded for its beautiful sportsmanship in the Puerto Rico game when after the final whistle the entire stadium gave a standing ovation to the visitors and started chanting ‘Puerto Rico’ in unison with synchronised hand claps. The Puerto Ricans also appreciated the support by doing a lap of honour. It was something that had left the visitors speechless and despite the disappointments of loss, they were all smiles.

Initially planned as champions cup between 4 nations, Afghanistan withdrawal meant the tournament got changed to Tri-series. This competition will be seen as the preparatory games for the Indian team for their Asian games qualifier opponents Macau in September. India are currently at the top of the group after they defeated Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan Republic in a similar score line of 1-0.

India will face St. Kitts and Nevis and Mauritius in the tri -Nation Tournament scheduled to start from August 19.