On 2 July 2015, it was announced that the matches during the tournament, including the final, would take place at the newly constructed Trivandrum International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.[1]
Heading into the tournament, Afghanistan were the defending champions of the tournament, with it also being the last time they can officially take part, as they have become members of the newly formed Central Asian Football Association.[4] In the group stage matches they defeated Bangladesh 4–0, Bhutan 3–0 and Maldives 4–1.[5][6][7] In the semi-final Afghans demolished Sri Lanka 5–0 to enter their third consecutive final.[8]
On the other hand, hosts India defeated the Lankans 2–0, followed by a 4–1 win over Nepal.[9][10] They went on to play the semi-final against Maldives and defeated them 3–2.[11][12]
