India U17 prep for AFC qualifiers in China

The Indian U-17 men’s football team is gearing up for two international friendlies in China as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The Blue Colts will face China U17 in closed-door matches on October 8 and 10 at the National Football Training Centre in Xianghe, about 80 km from Beijing, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Sunday.

The friendlies come shortly after India’s triumph at the SAFF U17 Championship, where Bibiano Fernandes’ side lifted the trophy just over a week ago. Following the tournament, the team continued its training camp in Goa before departing for China on the evening of Monday, October 6.

“These matches are an important step in our preparations for the qualifiers,” said head coach Bibiano Fernandes. “We aim to give our players international exposure and assess their readiness against strong opponents.”

In November, India will host the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Ahmedabad, facing Palestine, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, and Iran. The squad for the China tour includes goalkeepers Aadil, Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar; defenders Indra Rana Magar, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, and Yumnam Maldino Singh; midfielders Abrar Ali Baba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Ningthoujam Mukundo Singh, Thanggoumang Touthang, Thokchom Diamond Singh, and Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei; and forwards Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Heeranganba Seram, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, and Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba.