Male', Maldives: The national football team is all set to play a match against India ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers, which begin in March.

According to reports by Indian media citing the All India Football Federation (AIFF), India will play a match against the Maldives in preparation for the Asian Cup qualifiers.

When contacted by Adhadhu Sports, FAM General Secretary Naahil Ahmed Sidheeq said, "We are in talks to play a match against India, and as of now, the match can be scheduled for March 19 or 20."

Recently, the national women's football team played two friendlies against India, an opportunity provided by the Indian federation.

Last year was not the best for the Indian men's football team. They did not win any of the 11 matches they played. They drew five and lost six, marking the first year since 2014 that India finished without a win in a calendar year.

India played only two matches in international football last year. They won their first match against Bangladesh but lost the second.

India has won 15 of their matches against the Maldives. The Maldives has won four matches, and two ended in draws. The last time the two teams met was in the 2021 SAFF Championship in Malé City, where India defeated the Maldives 3-1.

The Maldives will play its first match of the Asian Cup qualifiers in Malé on March 25. On the same day, India will take on Bangladesh at home in their first qualifying match.