The 19th edition of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup will be taking place from 15th June 2023 to 2nd July 2023. Thailand will play host to this tournament. India has announced their squad for the AFC U-19 Asian Cup and it consists of some formidable players.
For the past 1.5 months, the young colts of India have been undergoing a preparatory camp in Germany and Spain. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes, the Indian U-17 football team has got the potential to script something magical.
They have played practice matches versus the youth teams of Real Madrid, Getafe, Atletico Madrid, FC Augsburg, TSV Schwaben Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart.
“We have had a very fruitful time in Spain and Germany, and the boys got to play a number of top teams in these two countries. We also got some good training sessions with the coaches at Atletico Madrid, Stuttgart, and Augsburg, which was a good learning experience for the boys. Now it’s time to focus on the road ahead as we head to Thailand for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup,” said Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes as quoted by Sportstar.
Japan are the defending champions of this tournament and have 3 titles under their belt, India will be facing Japan too in their Group stage games. Japan are also the most successful team in this tournament.
They defeated Tajikistan in the finals of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup in 2018. Japan have been the runners-up of this prestigious competition once, in 2012. Uzbekistan had defeated them in that particular tournament.
Who are in India’s group?
Japan, Vietnam and Uzbekistan are in India’s group in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. A total of 16 teams will be taking part in this competition and this will be a perfect opportunity for several youngsters to prove their mettle and showcase their skills in front of the entire world.
The AFC Asian Cup U-17 will be taking place after a hiatus of 3 years. Last year’s edition in Bahrain was cancelled because of the gruelling Covid-19 pandemic.
India’s Squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup
Sahil, Julfikar Gazi, Pranav Sundarraman. Ricky Meetei Haobam, Surajkumar Singh Ngangbam, Mukul Panwar, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Pramveer, Dhanajit Ashangbam. Vanlalpeka Guite, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Korou Singh Thingujam, Lalpekhlua, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Omang Dodum, Faizan Waheed, Akash Tirkey, Prachit Vishwas Naik Gaonkar. Thanglalsoun Gangte, Shashwat Panwar, Gogocha Chungkham, Lemmet Tangvah.
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