Will the India U17 men's team triumph in their friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao?
Synopsis
Excitement is building as the India U17 men's football team prepares for two critical friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao. With a well-prepared squad under head coach Bibiano Fernandes, these matches are crucial for their upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup campaign. Don't miss the action!
Key Takeaways
India U17 men's team to face Tajikistan in two friendlies.
Matches scheduled for January 29 and February 1.
Both games will take place behind closed doors.
Training focused on preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup.
India qualified for the tournament for the 10th time.
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The India U17 men's football team is set to engage in two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, scheduled for January 29 and February 1. The head coach of the Blue Colts, Bibiano Fernandes, has announced a squad of 25 players for these fixtures.
Both encounters will take place behind closed doors at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, commencing at 16:00 IST.
The Blue Colts have been conducting their training in Goa since the beginning of the year to gear up for the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2026. India has successfully qualified for this tournament for the 10th time in its history, finishing ahead of teams like IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei during the qualifiers held in Ahmedabad in November of the previous year. The group stage opponents will be revealed following the draw on February 12.
Tajikistan gained automatic entry to the AFC U17 Asian Cup by virtue of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025.
The squad representing India U17 for the friendlies against Tajikistan includes:
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 Tajikistan
16:00 IST, February 1: India vs Tajikistan
Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of supporting our young athletes. The India U17 men's team has shown tremendous potential, and these friendly matches against Tajikistan serve as a vital part of their preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup. It is crucial for the nation to rally behind them as they represent our hopes in the international arena.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the matches scheduled?
The friendly matches are scheduled for January 29 and February 1.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will take place at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.
Who is the head coach of the team?
The head coach of the India U17 men's team is Bibiano Fernandes.
