The India U17 men’s team is set to play two friendly matches against Tajikistan in Margao, Goa, on January 29 and February 1. The matches, organized by Blue Colts head coach Bibiano Fernandes, will feature a 25-member squad. Both games will take place at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and kick off at 16:00 IST.
The Blue Colts have been undergoing training in Goa since the beginning of the year to gear up for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. India secured a spot in the tournament for the 10th time in history after emerging above IR Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and Chinese Taipei in the qualifiers held in Ahmedabad last November. The group stage opponents for India will be revealed after the draw on February 12.
Tajikistan secured a spot in the AFC U17 Asian Cup by qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025. The India U17 men’s squad for the upcoming friendlies in Goa includes goalkeepers Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, and Rajrup Sarkar, along with defenders and midfielders like Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Denny Singh Wangkhem, and Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. The forward lineup features players such as Azlaan Shah Kh, Heeranganba Seram, and Yuvraj Kadam.
