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India U17 Men Gear Up for Tajikistan Friendlies in Goa Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

The India U17 men's national team is set to play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, on January 29 and February 1. Both matches will be played behind closed doors at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The friendlies are part of the team's preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has selected a 25-member squad for the preparatory fixtures.

Key Points: India U17 Men's Team to Play Tajikistan in Goa Friendlies

  • Two friendlies vs Tajikistan in Margao
  • Matches behind closed doors at 16:00 IST
  • Preparation for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026
  • Squad of 25 players announced
2 min read

India U17 men's team to play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao

India U17 men's football team will play two closed-door friendlies vs Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, as preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026.

"The Blue Colts have been training in Goa since the start of the year to prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup. - AIFF Report"

New Delhi, Jan 28

The India U17 men's team will play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, on January 29 and February 1. Blue Colts head coach Bibiano Fernandes has named a 25-member squad for the two matches.

Both games will be played behind closed doors at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and will kick off at 16:00 IST.

The Blue Colts have been training in Goa since the start of the year to prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. India qualified for the tournament for the 10th time in history after finishing above IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers held in Ahmedabad in November last year. India will know their group stage opponents after the draw on February 12.

Tajikistan automatically made it to the AFC U17 Asian Cup by virtue of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025.

India U17 men's squad for Tajikistan friendlies in Goa:

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Ankur Rajbhar, 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: Aazim Parveez Najar, Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

Head coach: Bibiano Fernandes

India U17 men's friendly match schedule:

16:00 IST, January 29: India vs Tajikistan

16:00 IST, February 1: India vs Tajikistan

Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a bit disappointing the matches are behind closed doors. Would have been wonderful for young fans in Goa to see them live and get inspired.
A
Ananya R
The squad looks promising! Good mix of players from different regions. Hope they gel well before the Asian Cup qualifiers. Best wishes from Mumbai!
R
Rohit P
Coach Bibiano Fernandes is doing a solid job with the youth setup. These friendlies are crucial for building confidence. Let's hope for two wins! 💪
K
Karthik V
Interesting to see Tajikistan qualified automatically for the Asian Cup via the FIFA U17 World Cup. Shows the level we need to aim for. Tough but exciting challenge for our boys.
J
James A
Will there be any live streaming for these matches? It would be great if AIFF could arrange something so fans across the country can support the team.

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