India U17 men's squad named for Myanmar friendlies ahead of AFC 2027 Qualifiers
Synopsis
With the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur just weeks away, India's Blue Colts have landed in Myanmar for two closed-door tests against a side that has already qualified for the 2026 edition. Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo sees it as a live assessment of a 22-man squad that last faced Myanmar in March — winning once and drawing once.
Key Takeaways
India U17 men's team departed for Myanmar on 2 October 2026 for two closed-door friendlies on 4 and 7 October .
Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 22-player squad for the trip.
Both fixtures are at the StarCity Sports Club, Thanlyin , kicking off at 14:00 IST .
India are in Group E of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers alongside Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam; the qualifiers run 11–20 November in Kuala Lumpur .
India beat Myanmar 2-1 and drew 0-0 in their previous friendly series in Yangon in March 2026 .
Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 22-player squad as the India U17 men's national team departed for Myanmar on 2 October 2026 to play two closed-door international friendly matches on 4 October and 7 October. Both fixtures will be staged at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar, and are part of the Blue Colts' structured build-up to the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan.
Why These Friendlies Matter
India have been drawn in Group E of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam. The qualifier stage runs from 11 to 20 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, giving the team a narrow window to sharpen their game. Myanmar, who qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, represent a credible yardstick at this age group — making the closed-door ties an ideal stress test rather than a routine warm-up.
A Familiar Opponent, Fresh Stakes
This is not the first time the Blue Colts have faced Myanmar in a friendly setting. In March 2026, India played two matches against the same opponents in Yangon, winning the first 2-1 before the second ended in a goalless draw. The returning fixture in Thanlyin thus carries a longer context: both sides have now qualified for age-group continental football and will look to measure their respective progress.
What the Coach Said
Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, whose preparatory camp with the squad began in Margao, Goa, in September 2026, stressed the dual purpose of the tour. 'These matches will be an important part of our preparation for the qualifiers. Myanmar are a good opponent at this age group, and like India, they also qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup this year. Playing two international matches away from home will give us a good opportunity to assess the players and work on different aspects of our game before November,' Wadoo said.
Full 22-Player Squad
Goalkeepers: Arnav Rajendra Pandhare, Maroof Shafi, Newtan Irengbam.
Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Yumnam Maldino Singh, Zoramdinthara.
Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Henthoiba Keisam, Irom David Mangang, Ningthoujam Mukundo Singh, R Lawmsangzuala, Thiyam Sambay.
Forwards: Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Jasmeet Singh, Kamgouhao Doungel, Md Sahir Ali, Rahan Ahmed, Ristik Maity.
Match Schedule
Both games kick off at 14:00 IST — Myanmar vs India on 4 October and 7 October at the StarCity Sports Club, Thanlyin. With the AFC Qualifiers less than six weeks away, every minute of competitive exposure will count as Wadoo finalises his tactical blueprint for the Kuala Lumpur campaign.
Point of View
But this tour carries genuine weight. India's Group E at the 2027 Qualifiers is competitive — Palestine and Malaysia will not be pushovers — and the Blue Colts have just one more camp window before Kuala Lumpur. Myanmar, having already cleared the bar for the 2026 Asian Cup, is the right level of challenge: stiff enough to expose gaps, manageable enough to test combinations without the distortion of a mismatch. The real question Wadoo needs answered is not the result but whether the squad's tactical discipline holds in an away, pressure-free setting — because November will offer neither comfort.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which players are in India's U17 squad for the Myanmar friendlies?
Head Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 22-player squad comprising three goalkeepers — Arnav Rajendra Pandhare, Maroof Shafi, and Newtan Irengbam — six defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards. The full list was announced ahead of the team's departure for Myanmar on 2 October 2026.
When and where will India U17 play Myanmar?
India U17 will face Myanmar on 4 October and 7 October 2026, both at 14:00 IST, at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar. The matches are closed-door international friendlies.
Why is India U17 playing Myanmar ahead of the AFC Qualifiers?
The friendlies are part of India's preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled from 11 to 20 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Myanmar, who qualified for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026, offer competitive opposition at the right level to help the coaching staff assess players and refine tactics.
Which group is India in for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
India have been placed in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam. The qualifier matches will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 11 to 20 November 2026.
What was the result the last time India U17 played Myanmar?
India played Myanmar in two friendlies in Yangon in March 2026, winning the first match 2-1 and drawing the second 0-0. The upcoming Thanlyin fixtures mark the second such tour between the two sides within a year.
