India U-17 take on higher-ranked Indonesia U-17 in crucial test

This will be India’s second of the three closed door friendlies in March 2026 International Window.

The Indian U-17 National Team, headed by Bibiano Fernades, is boosting up their preparations for the forthcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup by playing three friendlies during the March 2026 international break. Thailand, Indonesia, and Korea Republic are the three teams they will face, all of whom are equal to or better than India in terms of strength and ranking.

While they played their first game against Thailand on March 25, they will now face Indonesia on March 28 at the Phra Ramesuan Stadium in Lopburi, Thailand.

The match is set to begin at 17:30 PM IST and is anticipated to be played behind closed doors, with no broadcast.

The Stakes

India U-17

In November 2025, the India U-17 squad, commanded by Bibiano Fernandes, made the country proud by qualifying for the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, being the only Indian men’s team across age groups to do so.

Since qualifying, the team has worked hard, playing friendlies against Tajikistan, Turkey, Spartak Moscow, and Myanmar.

As previously said, they are anticipated to face three difficult battles during this international window. The Blue Colts drew their first game against Thailand 2-2, thanks to goals from Gunleiba and Denny.

There is no additional information available about the game because it was held behind closed doors.

They will then face Indonesia, who is in pot 2 of the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, implying a team with higher rankings and accomplishments.

So, this match would be a great challenge and a terrific opportunity for Bibiano’s team to put themselves to the test against a superior side as they prepare to face harder opponents in the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia U-17

In recent years, Indonesia has been on the rise in youth football. They have qualified for two straight FIFA U-17 World Cups and, for the first time in over 16 years, the have made it to consecutive editions of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

In the previous edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, they were eliminated on goal difference, and they ended as quarterfinalists in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Their most recent games were two friendlies against China in February, both of which they lost.

Head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto would hope to utilize the game against India to begin conditioning his players to break down low-block teams that sits defensively and focus more on counterattacks.

Team News

While no injuries have been recorded in the India U-17 camp thus far, and Indonesia is scheduled to play their first game of the international break, both sides are expected to have a completely fit roster for competition.

Head-to-Head

These two sides previously played two friendlies during the August 2024 international window. While Indonesia easily won the first game, India U-17, coached by Ishfaq Ahmed, rallied in the second game to win 1-0.

Matches Played – 2

India U-17 wins – 1

Indonesia U-17 wins – 1

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

India U-17 (4-2-3-1):

Rajrup Sarkar (GK); Korou Meitei, Shubham Poonia, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin; Diamond Singh, Denny Singh; Gunleiba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Azlaan Shah; Lesvin Rebelo.

Indonesia U-17 (5-3-2):

Noah Duvert (GK); Peres Tjoe, Pandu Aryo, Zidane Chandra, Putu Ekayana, Made Arbi; Keanu Senjaya, Miraj Sulaeman, Chico Yarangga; Muhamad Zahaby Gholy, Mierza Firjatullah;

Players to Watchout

Gunleiba (India U-17)

Gunleiba has captured the attention of every Indian football fan over the last six months with his lightning-fast pace and ability to easily sneak past opposing defenders. His strong contributions won him a promotion to the NorthEast United FC senior team.

Gunleiba has been on a scoring run since his winner against Iran, scoring against Spartak Moscow U-17, Myanmar, and Thailand most recently.

When facing a superior opponent, young winger’s speed as well as skill would be critical in breaking out in counterattacks for Bibiano’s team.

Muhamad Gholy (Indonesia U-17)

Gholy, recognized as one of Indonesia’s best and upcoming talents, has been on fire over the previous 12-18 months. He finished as the MVP of the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship, scoring five goals.

He also scored at both the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup and the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Gholy will be aiming to add a couple goals to his tally while creating opportunities for his teammates by demonstrating his exceptional dribbling instincts and quick speed on the flanks.

Broadcast Details

The match between India U-17 and Indonesia U-17 will be played on Saturday, March 28 at the Phra Ramesuan Stadium in Lopburi, Thailand. The contest will begin at 17:30 PM IST.

There will be no telecast or broadcast for the game as this is a closed door friendly.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.