The Indian U-17 men’s football team will travel to Beijing next week to play two closed-door friendly matches against China U17 on October 8 and 10, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Sunday.
The fixtures come just over a week after Bibiano Fernandes’ side clinched the SAFF U17 Championship. The team continued their training camp in Goa before departing for China on Monday evening, October 6.
Both matches will take place at the National Football Training Centre in Xianghe, roughly 80 kilometres from Beijing. The friendlies are part of India’s preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in November in Ahmedabad, where the Blue Colts will face Palestine, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, and Iran.
The squad includes goalkeepers Aadil, Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar; defenders Indra Rana Magar, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, and Yumnam Maldino Singh; midfielders Abrar Ali Baba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Ningthoujam Mukundo Singh, Thanggoumang Touthang, Thokchom Diamond Singh, and Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei; and forwards Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Heeranganba Seram, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, and Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba.
Head coach Bibiano Fernandes will lead the team as they aim to build momentum ahead of the crucial qualifying stage.
Also read: India crowned SAFF U19 champions after nerve-wracking final
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