India names squad for SAFF U-19 football

India has been drawn in Group B of the championship, alongside Nepal and Sri Lanka, and will begin their campaign on May 9 against the latter, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, at 7.30 pm IST. The matches will be streamed live on Sportzworkz's YouTube channel

Hyderabad: Head coach Bibiano Fernandes announced the 23-member India squad for the SAFF U19 Championship to be held in Arunachal Pradesh from May 9 to 18.

Fernandes said they started more than a month back in Bengaluru with around 50 scouted players, who appeared for the trials. “I was not surprised when I saw the talent that these boys have. I was really happy with the quality of scouting conducted to find these players. It has been a long process of building the team from there on,” he said.

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The 48-year-old, who had won SAFF junior championships on three different occasions, stressed the importance of the acclimatisation that has been afforded to the team. “It was nice of the Federation to get us here early to acclimatise to the altitude, the ground, the weather, and everything else. We’ve also played some practice matches, both in Bengaluru and in Itanagar, which have really helped us develop as a team,” Fernandes said.

“We’re thankful to the Arunachal Pradesh government and everyone who is working behind the scenes to give us the best facilities available. I have no doubt that going forward, we will be in safe hands,” he said.

India has been drawn in Group B of the championship, alongside Nepal and Sri Lanka, and will begin their campaign on May 9 against the latter, at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, at 7.30 pm IST. The matches will be streamed live on Sportzworkz’s YouTube channel.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Aarush Hari, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Rohit.

Defenders: Ashik Adhikari, Takhellambam Bungson Singh, Jodric Abranches, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Sohum Utreja, Roshan Singh Thangjam.

Midfielders: Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Md Arbash, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Singamayum Shami.

Forwards: Ahongshangbam Samson, Bharat Lairenjam, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Hemneichung Lunkim, Yohaan Benjamin.

Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes

Assistant coach: Shafeeq Hassan M

Goalkeeper coach: Dipankar Choudhury

Strength and conditioning coach: Chelston Pinto