India U17 set to tour China for two friendlies as AFC U17 qualifiers loom

Bibiano’s boys switch quickly from SAFF glory to a tougher test in November.

The India U17 men’s football team will fly to China on 6 October for a short preparatory tour, where they’ll play two friendlies against China U17 on 8 and 10 October. The trip comes straight off a confidence-boosting SAFF U-17 Championship win, where the Blue Colts edged Bangladesh on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in Colombo.

Head coach Bibiano Fernandes has slipped right back into his familiar groove. Since taking charge of this age group in 2016, his sides have qualified for four straight AFC U-17 Asian Cup editions (the 2020 tournament was later cancelled due to COVID), and he added yet another SAFF title to a growing collection.

Earlier this year, he also guided the India U-19 team to the SAFF U-19 championship crown and now with this win, he has lifted the SAFF title 6 times (5 SAFF U-17 Championship & 1 SAFF U-19 Championship).

Also Read: Top five players who impressed in India’s victorious SAFF U17 Championship 2025 campaign

SAFF glory for Blue Colts

The Blue Colts remained unbeaten throughout the SAFF U17 Men’s Championship 2025. The Blue Colts had jittery moments, but Bibiano’s boys showed maturity and composure to find solutions when they were put in tricky situations. Going ahead, as the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers approach, eyes will be on some of the promising players from the SAFF U17 Men’s Championship campaign.

Goal-scoring will be the most important aspect of the game, especially against opponents like Iran. The likes of Dallalmuon Gangte, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Rahan Ahmed, and Azlaan Shah will have to step up like they did in the recently concluded tournament. Dallalmuon Gangte finished as the leading goal scorer for the Blue Colts with four goals to his name.

Asian assignment awaits the Blue Colts

All eyes now turn to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. India will host Group D in Ahmedabad this November and are drawn with Iran, Palestine, Chinese Taipei and Lebanon. With only the group winner guaranteed to advance, the path is tight and likely to hinge on the clash with regional heavyweights Iran.

The China friendlies are designed to sharpen match rhythm and help Bibiano settle his core group. With limited time before the qualifiers, the staff must quickly decide whether any late additions deserve a spot or if the SAFF-winning core carries on into November.

India U-17 upcoming fixtures

Friendlies in China (tentatively)

• 8 October 2025: China vs India
• 10 October 2025: China vs India

AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers (Group D, Ahmedabad)

• 22 November 2025: India vs Palestine
• 26 November 2025: India vs Chinese Taipei
• 28 November 2025: India vs Lebanon
• 30 November 2025: India vs Iran

The Blue Colts arrive in good spirits after SAFF, but the bar will rise quickly. Two solid outings in China would set the tone for a crucial month ahead.

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