India set to begin their SAFF U17 Championship title defense with clash against Maldives

India are placed in Group B alongside Bhutan, Maldives, and Pakistan.

The Indian U17 team is gearing up for some crucial assignments lined up for them in the next few months, starting from the SAFF U17 Championship 2025. The Blue Colts are the defending champions of the tournament, aiming to bring the glory back again.

India are in Group B with teams like Maldives, Bhutan, and Pakistan. The first challenge for India in their title defense will be Maldives. Bibiano Fernandes would want nothing but all three points from this fixture to set the tone for the tournament.

Also Read: India U17 head coach Bibiano Fernandes names 23-man squad for SAFF U17 Championship

The Stakes

India U17

The SAFF U17 Championship is an opportunity for the Blue Colts to bolster their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. However, the subcontinental tournament will not be a walk in the park with teams like Bangladesh progressing rapidly.

There are just three matches in the group stage, and the compact format of the tournament makes each match a must-win. The match against Maldives is significant to gain the early momentum in the competition. A slip-up in the fixture might derail the campaign for India.

Maldives U17

The SAFF U17 Championship has been a tough nut to crack for Maldives. The island nation has never qualified for the knockouts. They have participated in the tournament seven times, but the success has been elusive.

This edition, they would want to improve the record and find a breakthrough in the competition. The opening clash against India is the toughest fixture for them in the group stage. A good result in this game would boost morale and give them an incredible start.

Team News

Both teams will begin their campaign with a full-strength squad available for the opening fixture.

Probable Lineups

India U17

 Maroof Shafi, Houlungou Mate, R Lawmsangzuala, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Shubham Poonia, Abrar Ali Baba, Thokchom Diamond Singh, Dallalmuon Gangte, Kamgouhao Doungel, Lesvin Rebelo, Aazim Parveez Najar

Player to watch out for

Kamgouhao Doungel (India)

Moving from the backline to the attacking front, we have Kamgouhao Doungel to keep our eyes on. The Manipuri forward has been among the goals in the last couple of seasons. He will be the main man for India going upfront.

In the 2023/24 season, Doungel netted 23 times in just 11 matches in the AIFF Youth League. This stat is enough to highlight his potential as a goalscoring threat. With teams like Bangladesh growing in defensive solidity, the SAFF U17 Championship would provide Doungel an opportunity to sharpen his goalscoring instincts before the AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Where to watch India vs Maldives in SAFF U17 Championship 2025?

The SAFF U17 Championship 2025 will be live-streamed on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.

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