I think we are ready for this championship, says India U17 coach Ishfaq Ahmed ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Indian Colts under Ishfaq Ahmed will have to be in top form for a positive result.

The Indian U-17 football team head coach Ishfaq Ahmed will be keen to make a statement in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers against Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday.

Kicking off the first of three qualifying games, coach Ahmed hopes for a big turnaround as beating Brunei could help them in securing a spot in the prestigious U-17 Asian Cup 2025. Ahead of their upcoming encounter, the head coach addressed the media, sharing insights on the team’s preparation and their approach to the tournament.

In a recent press conference, Ishfaq Ahmed emphasized that the team’s preparation has been strong and consistent after recently capturing the SAFF U-17 Championship.

Ishfaq Ahmed said, “We just finished the SAFF Championship and had a couple of months’ camp during that period. Overall, I think the boys are fit and we had a couple of months of camp as well during the SAFF Championship and I think we are ready for this championship as well.”

Ishfaq Ahmed expressed a lot of confidence in the young squad having played several matches in the lead-up to the qualifiers. The games allowed the tactician to build team chemistry, gain match sharpness, and acclimatize to competitive conditions.

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When asked about the team’s immediate challenges and Brunei’s strengths, Ishfaq Ahmed took a measured approach, stating, “We are not thinking ahead. The immediate hurdle is Brunei Darussalam, and we are concentrating on that match first.”

He acknowledged the overall quality of the teams they would be facing in the upcoming weeks but stressed that India should focus on playing their best football. Ishfaq added, “All the teams are good, but to beat them, we need to play our best football.” Ahmed pointed to how the team had studied their opponents closely and felt the Indian Colts were prepared for the battles ahead.

The coach showcased some concern about the unpredictable weather conditions in Thailand, where the tournament is being held. While talking about the weather conditions, Ahmed said, “It may rain, it may not rain, and all of a sudden, it will be sunny”.

The Indian team is well aware of the challenges posed by the weather and the possibility of rain impacting the playing conditions. However, the head coach remained hopeful that the weather would cooperate, allowing for a smooth conduct of the qualifier matches.

Lastly, speaking on the tournament’s organization, the Indian coach praised the local organizing committee, citing excellent hospitality and tournament preparations in Chonburi. He stated, “We have been put in a good hotel, and everything seems to be well organized,” expressing optimism that this level of organization would continue until the last qualifier.

With the team’s fitness, focus, and preparations in place, the Indian U-17 squad are ready to put their best foot forward as they face Brunei Darussalam in the opening qualifier.

All eyes will be on the young Indian Colts as they begin their journey toward securing the U-17 Asian Cup 2025 qualification.

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