India is set to defend its title at the SAFF U-17 Championship in Bhutan, with head coach Ishfaq Ahmed leading a young and ambitious squad. On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Indian Football Federation (AIFF) announced a 23-member roster for the tournament, showcasing a mix of talented young players ready to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament, in its ninth edition, will see India compete against Bangladesh and Maldives in Group A.
The 2024 U-17 SAFF Championship is a significant event for the development of Indian football. India is the defending under-16 SAFF champion, having secured victory in the 2023 tournament with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh. Goals from Bharat Lairenjam and Levis Zangminlunin sealed the triumph last September.
The Blue Colts, as the Indian team is known, will be aiming to carry their success forward into the U-17 Championship. The draw for this edition, held in June in Dhaka, featured seven teams divided into two groups. India faces a challenging group with Bangladesh and Maldives, while the other group includes Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Ishfaq Ahmed, who previously served as assistant coach for Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League, took over the under-17 team earlier this year. This tournament represents his first major challenge in his new role as head coach.
The Blue Colts will depart from their base camp in Srinagar on Wednesday, September 18, and head to Thimphu, Bhutan, for the tournament. The action kicks off on September 20th, with India facing Bangladesh at the Changlimithang Stadium. The final is scheduled for September 30th at the same venue.
Football enthusiasts can follow all the action live on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the exciting tournament. Get ready to witness the future of Indian football as the Blue Colts compete for the prestigious SAFF U-17 Championship title.
