New Delhi, Sep 1 (Agency) Head coach Bibiano Fernandes on Thursday named a 23-member squad for the SAFF U-17 Championship which kicks off in Colombo on September 5. “The boys have worked so hard over the months. They are excited. They are hitting the ground with high levels of intensity and motivation,” said Bibiano. India would start their campaign against Bhutan on September 5. The final is slated for September 16. “We believe this batch has what it takes to outdo what the previous two batches achieved. Our short-term aim is to win the SAFF U17 Championship and qualify for the AFC U17 Championships as group leaders,” the coach stated.
The 23-member squad is as follows: GOALKEEPERS: Sahil, Julfikar Gazi, Tajamul Islam.DEFENDERS: Ricky Meetei, Mukul Panwar, Manjot Singh Dhami, BalkaranSingh, Suraj Kumar Singh, Chandan Yadav. MIDFIELDERS: Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Korou Singh, Lalpekhlua, VanlalpekaGuite, Boby Singh, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Huzafah Ahmad Dar, Ngarin Shaiza, Danny Meitei, Lalhmingchhuanga Fanai, Faizan Waheed, Obed Mangminhao Haokip.FORWARDS: Thanglalsoun Gangte, Aman. The fixture: September 5: Bhutan vs India (IST 3.30 pm).September 9: India vs Nepal (IST 3.30 pm).September 12: Semi-finals (IST 3.30 pm and 8 pm). September 14: Final (IST 7 pm).