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India U17 Football Team to Face UAE in Crucial Pre-Asian Cup Friendlies

The Indian U17 men's national football team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates in Thailand on April 17 and 21. These closed-door matches are crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. The 24-member squad, led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, recently concluded a training camp in Kolkata after friendlies in Thailand last month. In the Asian Cup, India is placed in Group D alongside Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea.

Key Points: India U17 Men's Team to Play UAE in Thailand Friendlies

  • Two friendlies vs UAE in Thailand
  • Prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026
  • Squad of 24 players announced
  • Matches behind closed doors
2 min read

India U17 men's team to play friendlies against United Arab Emirates in Thailand

Indian U17 men's football team plays two friendlies vs UAE in Thailand as prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026. Get squad and schedule details.

"The friendlies, part of India and the UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 - AIFF"

New Delhi, April 15

The Indian U17 men's team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, in Samut Prakan, Thailand.

The friendlies, part of India and the UAE's preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts' squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.

Last month, Bibiano Fernandes' side played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and the Republic of Korea (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.

In the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will take on Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10) and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D.

India U17 men's 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand:

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.

Head coach: Bibiano FernandesAssistant coach: Subham RabhaGoalkeeping coach: Parshuram Salwadi

India U17 men's friendlies schedule:16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India

Venue: Windmill Football Club, Samut Prakan, Thailand.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a bit disappointing that the matches are behind closed doors. Would have been a great experience for the young players to play in front of a crowd, even a small one. Still, the preparation is what matters most for the Asian Cup.
R
Rohit P
The squad has players from so many different states - Manipur, Goa, Bengal, Punjab. That's the real strength of Indian football now. All the best, Blue Colts! Make us proud in Saudi Arabia next year. Jai Hind!
A
Ananya R
Good move by AIFF to arrange these friendlies. UAE is a decent side at this level. The group in the Asian Cup is very tough with Australia and Uzbekistan. These matches are crucial for building confidence. Best of luck boys!
K
Karthik V
Hope someone is streaming these matches? 4:30 PM IST is a good time. Would love to watch our future stars play. The forward line looks exciting with players like Azlaan Shah and Yuvraj Kadam.
M
Michael C
Solid preparation schedule. Playing in Thailand conditions will help them get ready for Saudi Arabia. The result against Korea (1-2) shows they can compete. Focus should be on development, not just wins at this stage.

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