Goa ODI to clash with AFC Cup, NFL

MUMBAI: Mahindra United, the Alchemist Federation Cup champions, have expressed their keenness to play the home matches of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup in Goa. The first leg of the tournament is scheduled between March and April.

However, cricket might play spoilsport. England's cricket tour to India starts in February. The three-Test series is followed by a seven-match ODI series. The first match of the ODI series is in Goa on April 4.

According to the Goa Football Association (GFA), the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) wants the Nehru Stadium from January 1 onwards till the end of the match for preparing the pitches and other repair works.

"We will have to reschedule everything because of the cricket match," said Savio Messias, GFA secretary.

"The National Football League (NFL) matches (which start in January) and the AFC Cup matches will have to be adjusted. We are asking the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) to let the ground be available to us till February 15 to accommodate some NFL matches. As for AFC Cup, we are still to discuss the matter with the All India Football Federation (AIFF)."

Mahindra had suggested playing in Goa because of the poor conditions at the Cooperage.

"The cricket match does cause a problem but I think we might play the away matches first," said Henry Menezes, manager, Mahindra United.

AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco will return from Malaysia on Thursday.

The dates and venue will be announced soon after.