Football: Bibiano Fernandes Reveals 35 Contenders for SAFF U19 Championship
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Synopsis
On April 19, Bibiano Fernandes, the head coach of India's U19 men's football team, announced a list of 35 players selected for the SAFF U19 Championship. The tournament will occur in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18, with all matches hosted at the Golden Jubilee Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- 35 players shortlisted for the SAFF U19 Championship.
- Championship dates: May 9 to 18.
- Matches will be held at Golden Jubilee Stadium.
- India faces Sri Lanka and Nepal in Group B.
- Players born after January 1, 2007 are eligible.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) The head coach of India’s U19 men’s team, Bibiano Fernandes, revealed a list of 35 contenders for the upcoming SAFF U19 Championship, scheduled to take place in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, from May 9 to 18. All the matches will be hosted at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia.
India, the host nation, is set to compete against Sri Lanka on May 9 and Nepal on May 13 in Group B. Meanwhile, Group A consists of Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for May 16, followed by the final on May 18. The Golden Jubilee Stadium will be the venue for all tournament matches.
The Blue Colts are currently training at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, as per the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) announcement on Saturday.
The 2025 edition marks the seventh installment of the SAFF U-19 Championship, featuring the men’s under-19 national teams from across the South Asia region, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). Bangladesh enters the tournament as the defending champions, having secured their first title by defeating Nepal 4–1 in the final back in August 2024.
Players born on or after January 1, 2007, are eligible to participate in the tournament. Each team must register a squad consisting of a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 23 players.
Here are India’s 35 probables for the SAFF U19 Championship 2025:
Goalkeepers: Aarush Hari, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Alsabith Sulaiman Thekkekaramel, Rohit.
Defenders: Ashik Adhikari, Takhellambam Bungson Singh, Jodric Abranches, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Mukul Panwar, Nirbhay Singh, Pramveer, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Thoungamba Usham Singh, Vumlenlal Hangshing, Sohum Utreja, Roshan Singh Thangjam, Karish Soram.
Midfielders: Ahongshangbam Samson, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Levis Zangminlun, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Singamayum Shami, Yohaan Benjamin, Lalruatfela.
Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Daniyal Makakmayum, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Vishal Yadav, Hemneichung Lunkim.
Head coach: Bibiano Fernandes
Assistant coach: Remus Gomes
Goalkeeper coach: Dipankar Choudhury
Strength and conditioning coach: Chelson Pinto
