India to face Myanmar in first round of 2012 Olympic qualifiers
By IANSWednesday, October 20, 2010
NEW DELHI - India, who climbed up 16 places in the latest FIFA rankings, will face Myanmar in the first round of football qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics.
India, ranked 144th in FIFA rankings, will play the first leg against 145th ranked Myanmar at home, Feb 23, while the second leg in Myanmar is slated for March 9.
Meanwhile in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup, India, who won the 2008 edition of the competition, were placed in Group B alongside Turkmenistan, Pakistan and the winner of a play-off.
Defending champions North Korea are in Group D with Nepal, Sri Lanka and the winner of a play-off.
Bangladesh, who hosted the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2006, will play Palestine, Myanmar and a winner of play-off in Group A while Group C comprises Tajikistan, Maldives, winner of play-off and Kyrgyzstan.
Bhutan will meet Afghanistan, the Philippines will take on Mongolia, Chinese Taipei will face Laos, and Cambodia will lock horns against Macau in the play-offs to be played on Feb 9 and 16.
The group stage will be played between March 20-31, 2011, and the hosts will be announced later.
