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India U17 Football Team Hosts Tajikistan in Goa Friendlies Ahead of Asian Cup

The India U17 men's national football team will play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, on January 29 and February 1. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has selected a 25-player squad for these closed-door fixtures at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The matches are part of India's preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, for which they qualified last November. Tajikistan also secured automatic qualification for the Asian Cup by reaching the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025.

Key Points: India U17 vs Tajikistan Friendlies in Goa: Squad, Schedule

  • Two friendlies vs Tajikistan in Margao
  • 25-member squad named by Bibiano Fernandes
  • Prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026
  • Matches behind closed doors at 16:00 IST
2 min read

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

India U17 men's football team plays two friendlies vs Tajikistan in Margao, Goa. Get the full squad list, match schedule, and Asian Cup 2026 prep details.

"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. - AIFF"

New Delhi, January 29

The India U17 men's football team will play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, on January 29 and February 1, 2026.

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, according to the AIFF website.

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 Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers held in Ahmedabad in November last year.

India will learn their group-stage opponents after the draw on February 12. Tajikistan automatically qualified for 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 Tajikistan16:00 IST, February 1: India vs Tajikistan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
A bit disappointed the matches are behind closed doors. Would have loved to go and support them in Goa! But I understand the need for focused preparation. The squad looks promising, especially the forward line. Hoping for a couple of good results.
A
Arjun K
Good mix of players from across the country. Konthoujam, Wangkhem, Thokchom... great to see talent from the North-East getting their due. This is the future of Indian football. Let's back them fully!
M
Michael C
Interesting read. Tajikistan automatically qualified for the Asian Cup via the U17 World Cup, so they'll be a tough test. Perfect preparation for our boys before the draw on Feb 12. Smart scheduling by AIFF.
P
Priya S
While I'm excited, I hope the focus isn't just on these friendlies. The real goal is the Asian Cup. We need a long-term plan to develop these players so they can graduate to the senior team effectively. The infrastructure and pathway need more work.
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Vikram M
Chalo Goa! Perfect place for a training camp. Hope the boys are enjoying the vibe and working hard. Let's get two wins under our belt for confidence. Jai Hind!

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