Head coach Bibiano Fernandes on Thursday named a 23-member India squad for the SAFF U-17 Championship which kicks off in Colombo on September 5. India begins their campaign against Bhutan on the opening day of the tournament. India is clubbed with Nepal and Bhutan in Group B. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh are placed in Group A. The final is slated for September 16.
India has won the tournament three times – 2013, 2017 and 2019. Finished Runners-Up twice in 2011 and 2015. In 2018 India finished third.
Indian Squad for U17 SAFF Championship:
Goalkeepers: Sahil, Julfikar Gazi, Tajamul Islam.
Defenders: Ricky Meetei, Mukul Panwar, Manjot Singh Dhami, Balkaran Singh, Suraj Kumar Singh, Chandan Yadav.
Midfielders: Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Korou Singh, Lalpekhlua, Vanlalpeka Guite, Boby Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Huzafah Ahmam Dar, Ngarin Shaiza, Danny Meitei, Lalhmingchhuanga Fanai, Faizan Wahid, Obed Mangminhao Haokip.
Forwards: Thanglalsoun Gangte, Aman.
Fixtures for India’s matches:
September 5: Bhutan vs India (IST 3.30 pm).
September 9: India vs Nepal (IST 3.30 pm).
