Indian U17 Football Team Set for Friendlies Against UAE in Thailand
Upcoming Friendly Matches in Thailand
The Indian U17 men's football team is scheduled to compete in two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on April 17 and April 21. These matches will take place in Samut Prakan, Thailand, as part of the teams' preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup set to occur in Saudi Arabia in 2026. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that these games will be held behind closed doors.
Match Details
Both friendly matches are set to commence at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club, located near Bangkok. The Blue Colts, consisting of 24 players, arrived in Thailand on April 15.
Recent Training and Matches
In preparation for these friendlies, Bibiano Fernandes' squad played three matches last month in Lopburi, Thailand. They drew against Thailand (2-2), secured a victory over Indonesia (3-0), and faced a narrow defeat against the Republic of Korea (1-2). After these games, the team continued their training camp in Kolkata.
AFC U17 Asian Cup Group Stage
During the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will compete in Group D against Australia on May 6, Uzbekistan on May 10, and DPR Korea on May 13.
Squad for the Friendlies
The 24-member squad for the U17 men's team includes:
- Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.
- Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Shubham Poonia.
- Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.
- Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
The head coach is Bibiano Fernandes, with Subham Rabha as the assistant coach and Parshuram Salwadi serving as the goalkeeping coach.
Schedule of Friendlies
The schedule for the U17 men's friendlies is as follows:
- April 17, 16:30 IST: United Arab Emirates vs India
- April 21, 16:30 IST: United Arab Emirates vs India
Venue: Windmill Football Club, Samut Prakan, Thailand.