Coached by Bibiano Fernandes, the U-17 boys qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup last year and have been training in Goa since November. The Blue Colts also played friendly matches with UAE U-20 and Uzbekistan U-17 the previous month
Just over a year ago in December 2021, India suffered a solitary-goal defeat against Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship in Dhaka
The Blue Colts, who have qualified for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup final rounds and are currently preparing for the campaign ahead, did all the damage in the first half, as Korou Singh Thingujam ran the show on the right wing, assisting Vanlalpeka Guite and Lalpekhlua to score a goal each. Uzbeki
The India U-17 team is scheduled to play a friendly against the UAE U-17 team on January 16 in Dubai. Subsequently, the team will play two friendlies against Uzbekistan on January 22 and 24 in Goa.
Despite the loss, the determination and grit displayed by the Indian side and the charged atmosphere at the Kalinga Stadium made the match a truly memorable occasion.
Placed in Group D of the qualifiers, both Saudi Arabia and India have won three matches each so far, and will battle it out for the top spot in their last match on Sunday, October 9, 2022, at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.
The Indian team faces the USA on October 11, before locking horns with Morocco and Brazil on October 14 and October 17, respectively, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.