The Indian U17 men’s team is set to compete in two friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on April 17 and April 21, 2026, in Samut Prakan, Thailand. These matches are part of the preparations for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 and will be held behind closed doors at the Windmill Football Club near Bangkok, starting at 16:30 IST.
Previously, the Blue Colts had engaged in three friendlies in Lopburi, Thailand, against Thailand (2-2), Indonesia (3-0 win), and Korea Republic (1-2 defeat. Following these matches, the team continued their training camp in Kolkata. In the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah, India will face Australia on May 6, Uzbekistan on May 10, and DPR Korea on May 13 in Group D.
The 24-member squad for the friendlies against UAE in Thailand includes goalkeepers Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, and Rajrup Sarkar, defenders like Abhishek Kumar Mondal and Indra Rana Magar, midfielders such as Dallalmuon Gangte and Denny Singh Wangkhem, and forwards like Adil Aman A and Azlaan Shah Kh. The team is led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes, with Subham Rabha as the assistant coach and Parshuram Salwadi as the goalkeeping coach.
