Indian U17 Men's Team Set for Friendlies Against UAE in Thailand
Synopsis
The Indian U17 men's football team is gearing up for two crucial friendlies against the UAE in Thailand as they prepare for the AFC U17 Asian Cup. Set to take place on April 17 and 21, these matches will provide valuable experience for the young athletes.
Key Takeaways
Two friendly matches scheduled against UAE.
Matches are part of AFC U17 Asian Cup preparations .
Both games will be held behind closed doors.
Squad includes 24 players, known as the Blue Colts .
Head coach is Bibiano Fernandes .
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) The Indian U17 men's squad is set to engage in two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, 2026, taking place in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
These friendlies are part of the preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2026. The matches will be held behind closed doors, commencing at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club, located near Bangkok. The 24-member squad, known as the Blue Colts, arrived in Thailand on April 15.
In the previous month, under the guidance of Bibiano Fernandes, the team played three friendlies in Lopburi, Thailand, resulting in a draw against Thailand (2-2), a victory over Indonesia (3-0), and a narrow defeat to the Korea Republic (1-2). Following these matches, the Blue Colts returned to Kolkata for further training.
During the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will compete against Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10), and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D.
Here’s the India U17 men's squad for the friendlies against UAE in Thailand:
Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.
Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, 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: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
Assistant Coach: Subham Rabha
Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
India U17 Men's Friendlies Schedule:
16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India
16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India
Venue: Windmill Football Club, Samut Prakan, Thailand.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the significance of these friendly matches for the Indian U17 men's team. Facing the UAE offers a unique opportunity for our young players to gain experience against international competition, which is essential for their development as they approach the AFC U17 Asian Cup.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the friendly matches?
The friendly matches will take place on April 17 and 21, 2026.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will be held at Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
What is the purpose of these friendlies?
These friendlies are part of the preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
Who is the head coach of the U17 team?
The head coach of the U17 men's team is Bibiano Fernandes.
Which teams will India face in the AFC U17 Asian Cup?
India will compete against Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea in Group D.
