India U-17 set for UAE friendlies ahead of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026
Blue Colts will face the UAE on 17 and 21 April
The Indian U17 men’s team will play two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on April 17 and 21, 2026, in Samut Prakan, Thailand. The Blue Colts will set to face them as the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 is on its way.
India U-17 men’s team begin final preparation for AFC U-17 Asian Cup
The friendlies, part of India and the UAE’s preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Both matches will kick off at 16:30 IST at the Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The 24-member Blue Colts’ squad arrived in Thailand on Wednesday, April 15.
Last month, Bibiano Fernandes’ side had played three friendlies against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win) and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat) in Lopburi, Thailand. Following the games, the Blue Colts continued their training camp in Kolkata.
In the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will take on Australia (May 6), Uzbekistan (May 10) and DPR Korea (May 13) in Group D.
India U17 men’s 24-member squad for friendlies against UAE in Thailand
Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.
Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, 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: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.
Head coach: Bibiano FernandesAssistant coach: Subham RabhaGoalkeeping coach: Parshuram Salwadi
India U17 men’s friendlies schedule:16:30 IST, April 17: United Arab Emirates vs India16:30 IST, April 21: United Arab Emirates vs India
Venue: Windmill Football Club, Samut Prakan, Thailand
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.
Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.