Indian U17 Squad Announced for SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) The Indian U17 men's football team, led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, has announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming SAFF U17 Championship in Sri Lanka. The Blue Colts have been diligently preparing in Goa for nearly two months and are scheduled to arrive in Colombo on Saturday afternoon. India finds itself in Group B and will compete against the Maldives on September 16, Bhutan on September 19, and Pakistan on September 22. The semi-finals are set for September 25, followed by the final on September 27, with all matches being held at the Racecourse International Stadium. India enters the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the SAFF U17 title last year in Bhutan with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh. The long-term goal for the Blue Colts is to secure qualification for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, with qualifiers taking place in November 2025 in Ahmedabad. The Squad: Goalkeepers include Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar. Defenders feature Houlungou Mate, Indra Rana Magar, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Md Aimaan Bin, R Lawmsangzuala, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang, and Yumnam Madino Singh. Midfielders consist of Abrar Ali Baba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Thokchom Diamond Singh, Wangkhem Denny Singh, and Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei. Forwards include Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Lesvin Rebelo, and Rahan Ahmed.

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