An interesting set of Indian football fixtures in March 2024 will bring great enthusiasm among fans. While the ISL and I-League remain in discussion, the Indian Women’s League 2023/24 will conclude this month with some cracking title-deciding games in store. Additionally, the National Football Championship or the Santosh Trophy will also crown its winner in this period.
Here are the Indian football fixtures fixtures you need to watch in March 2024:
Gokulam Kerala vs Mohammedan SC (I-League 2023/24) - 3 March 2024
After rescuing a point after going down against second-placed Sreenidhi Deccan, leaders Mohammedan SC will now have to battle another title aspirant Gokulam Kerala only two days later. The Black Panthers faltered this year after staying undefeated in the first period resulting in their comfortable lead at the top cut short to just two points. While the Malabarians also suffered a shock loss to lowly Namdhari FC in their last match, the third-place team is an able side to disrupt the Kolkata giants aiming for promotion to the ISL. A win will take Gokulam top of the table while the same for Mohammedan SC will allow them to stretch their lead to five points.
Santosh Trophy Final 2023/24 - 9 March 2024
The final of the 2023/24 National Football or the Santosh Trophy will be held on 9th March 2024 at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Arunachal Pradesh. A total of eight teams will participate in the knockout phase from the final round after the quarterfinal stage, beginning from 4th March 2024, was introduced in a new expanded format of the tournament. A blockbuster showpiece is expected.
Kickstart FC vs Gokulam Kerala (IWL 2023/24) - 10 March 2024
The rematch of last season’s IWL final, third-place Kickstart FC will welcome Gokulam Kerala in second after the international break in a fight for the top spot. Both trail leaders Odisha FC by two points and taking three points will be the only aim for either side with only three rounds to go. The reverse fixture ended goalless between the sides but this is expected to have at least one.
East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan (ISL 2023/24) - 10 March 2024
There is uncertainty over the Kolkata derby on 10 March 2024 because of political events happening in the city on the same day. However, the significance of the game remains clear with another electrifying affair expected between the two giants. The last ISL tie between the pair ended 2-2 while East Bengal FC won the Super Cup battle 3-1 in the derbies played this year so far. Mohun Bagan Super Giant are willing to reclaim their recent dominance of this fixture and take important points in their race for the ISL Shields. Whereas, the Red and Gold will be desperate to break Habas’ side’s unbeaten run in their bid to be in the top six for the first time.
Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan (ISL 2023/24) - 13 March 2024
Right after the derby, Mohun Bagan will make a tricky trip to Kochi to face Kerala Blasters although their form has dwindled in 2024. While the Mariners claimed a huge 5-2 victory in their only other game at the Kaloor Stadium, this encounter will be different than before. The Tuskers have lost just once at home this season while Mohun Bagan also suffered only one defeat in away games. The battle is set to be an exciting one with both sides unwilling to leave any ground for the other.
Gokulam Kerala vs Sreenidi Deccan (I-League 2023/24) - 17 March 2024
In a crucial tie for the I-League title chase, two-time winners Gokulam Kerala will clash with Sreenidi Deccan hoping to fulfil their lost chance for promotion last season. Both of them had a welcoming start to 2024 in the league with the Deccan Warriors remaining unbeaten while the Malabarians suffering just one loss at the time of writing. Gokulam breezed past Sreenidi in the reverse fixture winning 4-1 but it is not going to be one-sided this time. The home side in this meeting also leads head-to-head with three wins to two and will not want the visitors to level it up. Interestingly, there have not been any draws in this fixture so both will go for the kill.
India vs Afghanistan (2026 FIFA World Cup & 2027 Asian Cup Joint Qualifiers) - 22 and 26 March 2024
Eliminated from the group stages of the Asian Cup in January, the Indian men’s national team will return to action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with matches against Afghanistan home and away lined up. The Blue Tigers have set sight on qualifying for the third round of the qualifiers for the first time in their history and the one they have made their primary aim. Finishing second will also allow a group stage berth in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Victory in these two games in March will put them in pole position considering Kuwait will face Asian champions and table-toppers Qatar. India began the campaign with a win against the former and then lost 3-0 to the latter with the reverse fixtures against the sides lined up in June.
Odisha FC vs Kickstart FC (IWL 2023/24) - 24 March 2024
A second title-deciding clash in the IWL will see top-place holder Odisha FC locking horns with third-placed Kickstart FC. The Juggernauts have emerged as a defining force this season and are hoping to break the dominance of defending champions Gokulma Kerala in the league. Kickstart showed its strength by moving to the final last season and has mounted up a title charge in the league format as well. The reverse fixture ended goalless between the pair but Odisha FC will be gunning for three points at home although visitors will not make the occasion easy again.
