India national under-17 football team

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

India Under-17
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Blue Colts
AssociationAll India Football Federation
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationSAFF (South Asia)
Head coachIshfaq Ahmed
CaptainNgamgouhou Mate
FIFA codeIND
First colours
Second colours
First international
 China 2–1 India 
(Bangkok, Thailand; 20 August 1984)
Biggest win
 India 13–0 Macau 
(Bangkok, Thailand; 27 August 1984)[1]
 India 13–0 Brunei 
(Chonburi, Thailand; 23 October 2024)
Biggest defeat
 Russia 8–0 India 
(St. Petersburg, Russia; 8 January 2017)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2017)
Best resultGroup stage (2017)
Asian Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1990)
Best resultQuarter-final (2002, 2018)
SAFF Championship
Appearances9 (first in 2011)
Best resultChampions (2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024)
WAFF Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2018)
Best resultRunners-up (2018)

The India national under-17 football team represents India in international football at the under-17 level. Controlled by the All India Football Federation, the governing body for football in India, the team is part of the Asian Football Confederation and the South Asian Football Federation.

History

FIFA U-17 World Cup

India has participated for the first time in FIFA U-17 World Cup as hosts in the 2017 edition of the tournament. This was the first time ever[2] that a team representing India would participate in the finals of a FIFA organized world tournament. India was placed in group A along with, United States, Ghana and Columbia. On 6 October 2017, India played their first ever match in FIFA-U17 World Cup history against United States in front of 47,000 spectators. But unfortunately, India lost the match by 3–0. India played their Second match against Colombia. In 82nd minute Jeakson Singh Thounaojam became the first Indian goalscorer in any FIFA tournament. In the third match of group stage, India faced Ghana where they lost 4–0, finishing bottom of the group A.[3] India also failed to qualify for 2019 edition when they lost by 1–0 in the Quarter final match against South Korea at the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship.[4]

AFC U-17 Asian Cup

The AFC U-16 Championship is the top level tournament for under-16 football teams in Asia and began in 1985.[5] India participated in the tournament for the first time in 1990. They were knocked-out of the tournament in the group stage, finishing third in their four-team group with one against Jordan.[6] The team qualified again for the tournament in 1996 where they finished last in their group which included Bahrain, China, Iran, and Thailand. The team lost three of their four matches, with their sole victory coming against China.[7] Dipayan Bose scored 12 goals in the match most by any player.

India qualified again for the tournament in 2002, where they reached the quarter-final round, in their best result to date. The team took on South Korea in the quarter-finals but lost 3–1, and thus failed to advance further.[8] Following the 2002 tournament, India qualified for the next tournament in Japan. Two defeats and one victory in the group stage saw India finish third in their group, and were knocked out from the tournament.[9]

After failing to qualify for 2006 AFC U-17 Championship, India qualified for the 2008 edition. Two defeats before a sole victory over Indonesia saw India once again make it no further than the group stage.[10] The same result followed in 2012, only this time with no wins in the group stage.[11]

India, for the seventh time, participated in the tournament in 2016 with the nation hosting the tournament. Despite home advantage, India once again could not make it beyond the group stage and finished last in their group which consisted of themselves, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.[12]

India qualified for 2018 AFC U-16 Championship by participating in the qualification round. India defeated Palestine, 3–0, then played a 2–2 draw against Nepal and finally qualified for the 2018 edition when they played a goalless draw against the defending champion Iraq. India played its group stage matches against Vietnam, Iran and Indonesia at the 2018 edition in Malaysia. They defeated Vietnam by 1–0, then held Iran to a goal less draw and finally qualified for the knock out stages by holding Indonesia to a 0–0 draw. In the quarter finals they were defeated 1–0 by heavy weights South Korea, ending their run in the tournament.[4]

India has also qualified for the 2020 AFC U-16 Championship by participating in the qualifying round. In the first game they defeated Turkmenistan 5–0. In the second game also they defeated Bahrain by an identical score line. They finally qualified for the finals by holding Uzbekistan to a 1–1 draw. India was clubbed with Korea Republic, Australia and Uzbekistan in Group C for the tournament.[13] But the tournament was called of due to COVID-19.[14]

India qualified for the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup for third consecutive time. India defeated Maldives by 5–0, Kuwait by 3–0 and Myanmar by 4–1 but fell to Saudi Arabia by 1–2. India qualified as second placed best ranked teams making their 9th appearance in the tournament.[15][16] In 2023, India was clubbed with Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Japan in group stage of 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Thailand. India began their Asian campaign with a draw with Vietnam by 1–1 with a spectacular long shot by Malemnganba Singh Thokchom but fell to Uzbekistan by a solitary goal. The team faced a huge defeat against Japan but have put a valiant performance scoring 4 goals, concluding by score of 8–4 ending their campaign with a draw and two losses.

SAFF U-17 Championship

In 2009, the SAFF U-16 Championship was launched.[17] India participated in the first edition of the tournament in 2011. After an opening day surprise defeat to Pakistan, India qualified for the next round after defeating the Maldives 5–0. India then made it to the final, defeating Nepal on penalties, but again lost to Pakistan in the final 2–1.[18] India fared much better in the 2013 edition, finishing first in their group of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, before defeating Afghanistan in the semi-final on penalties. In the final, India defeated Nepal 1–0 to win the tournament for the first time.[19]

As reigning champions, India entered the 2015 edition of the tournament with a 5–0 victory over Sri Lanka. India then suffered a 2–1 defeat to Bangladesh to finish second in the group, and but still qualified for the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, India once again defeated Nepal 1–0, but lost to Bangladesh in the final on penalties.[20]

At the 2017 edition India entered into semi-final, defeating Maldives and Nepal by 9–0 and 2–1 respectively. In the semi-final they defeated Bhutan by 3–0 and entered to the final and faced Nepal again and defeated them by 2–1 to become SAFF champion for the second time after 2013.[21]

2019 edition of the tournament was their third title. In this edition the tournament was played in round robin, thus India played against all other teams and managed to win all their matches without a goal conceded. In the final they faced Nepal whom they easily defeated by 7−0 margin, thus scoring 28 goals in 5 matches, becoming champions for the third time.[22]

2022 edition was their fourth title. In this edition, India was clubbed with Bhutan and Nepal. India began their SAFF campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Bhutan but surprisingly lost to Nepal by 1–3. Though, India qualified for semi finals where they defeated Bangladesh by 1–2 score line. India again faced Nepal in the finals where now they defeated Nepal with 4–0.[23][24]

At the 2023 edition India entered into semi-final, defeating Nepal and Bangladesh by the scoreline of 1–0 in both games.[25][26] In the semi-final they defeated Maldives by 8–0 and entered to the final and faced Bangladesh.[27] India defeated them by 2–0 to become SAFF champion for the fifth time.[28]

2024 edition turned out to be another title for them. India entered the semi finals by defeating Bangladesh and Maldives by 1–0 and 3–0 in both group games. In the semi-finals, they thrashed Nepal by score line of 4–2 and entered the final facing Bangladesh once again. India defeated them by 2–0 and won the title for sixth time.[29]

AIFF Youth Cup

The AIFF Youth Cup was first competed for in 2016. It was organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as a preparatory tournament for the India under-17 team for the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The first tournament was held from 15 May to 25 May 2016 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, Goa.[30] A total of five teams participated in the tournament after being invited by the All India Football Federation. The final was won 2–1 by South Korea over the United States.[31]

Coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach India Ishfaq Ahmed
Assistant coach India MG Ramachandran
Goalkeeping coach India Mohammed Zakeer Hussain
Fitness coach India Chelston Pinto
Physiotherapist India Kiran Kumar
Team manager India Majid Yousuf Dar
Performance analyst India Prajval V Chakravarthy
Media manager India Akhil Rawat

Recent results and fixtures

For past match results of the under-17 team, see the results in Indian football seasons.

Matches in the last 12 months, and future scheduled matches
  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

23 August 2024 (2024-08-23) Friendly Bali United U20 2–2  India Badung, Indonesia
Report
Stadium: Samudra Kuta Stadium
25 August 2024 (2024-08-25) Friendly Indonesia  3–1  India Gianyar, Indonesia
20:00 UTC+8
Stadium: I Wayan Dipta Stadium
Referee: Thoriq Alkatiri (Indonesia)
27 August 2024 (2024-08-27) Friendly India  1–0  Indonesia Gianyar, Indonesia
18:00 UTC+5:30 Stadium: Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium
Referee: Ryan Nanda Saputra (Indonesia)
20 September 2024 (2024-09-20) 2024 SAFF U-17 GS Bangladesh  0–1  India Thimphu, Bhutan
17:30 Report Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum 90+1' Stadium: Changlimithang Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Pema Tshewang (Bhutan)
24 September 2024 (2024-09-24) 2024 SAFF U-17 GS India  3–0  Maldives Thimphu, Bhutan
17:30
  • Samson Ahongshangban 13'
  • Hemneichung Lunkim 74', 89'
Report Stadium: Changlimithang Stadium
Attendance: 60
Referee: Sashanka Madushanka (Sri Lanka)
28 September 2024 (2024-09-28) 2024 SAFF U-17 SF India  4–2    Nepal Thimphu, Bhutan
13:30 Vishal Yadav 61', 68'
Ningthou Khongjam Rishi Singh 85'
Hemneichung Lunkim 90+5'
Report Subash Bam 82'
Mohammed Kaif 89' (o.g.)
Stadium: Changlimithang Stadium
Attendance: 82
Referee: Md Symoon Hasan Sany (Bangladesh)
30 September 2024 (2024-09-30) 2024 SAFF U-17 F India  2–0  Bangladesh Thimphu, Bhutan
17:30
  • Mohammed Kaif 58'
  • Mohammed Arbash 90+5'
Report Stadium: Changlimithang Stadium
Attendance: 1230
Referee: Sashanka Madushanka (Sri Lanka)
23 October 2024 (2024-10-23) 2025 AFC U-17 ACQ India  13–0  Brunei Chonburi, Thailand
14:30 IST
Report Stadium: Chonburi Stadium
Referee: Mederbek Taichiev (Kyrgyzstan)
25 October 2024 (2024-10-25) 2025 AFC U-17 ACQ Turkmenistan  0–1  India Chonburi, Thailand
16:00 UTC+7 Rishi Singh 44' Stadium: Chonburi Stadium
Referee: Đỗ Khánh Nam (Vietnam)
27 October 2024 (2024-10-27) 2025 AFC U-17 ACQ Thailand  3–2  India Chonburi, Thailand
20:00 UTC+7
Stadium: Chonburi Stadium
Referee: Ali Ahmadi (Iran)

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players are named in the squad for the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification.[32]

Caps and goals are correct as of 27 October 2024, after the match against  Thailand.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Rohit Goyat (2008-03-02) 2 March 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India East Bengal
22 1GK Suraj Singh Aheibam (2008-02-18) 18 February 2008 (age 16) 13 0 India Classic FA
23 1GK Nandan Roy (2008-02-27) 27 February 2008 (age 16) 0 0 India Mohun Bagan SG

2 2DF Karish Soram (2008-02-08) 8 February 2008 (age 16) 12 0 India Punjab
3 2DF Usham Thoungamba Singh (2008-06-24) 24 June 2008 (age 16) 9 2 India Punjab
4 2DF Mohammed Kaif (2008-05-26) 26 May 2008 (age 16) 13 3 India Zinc FA
6 2DF Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum (2008-01-01) 1 January 2008 (age 16) 9 3 India Classic FA
12 2DF Jodric Abranches (2008-07-12) 12 July 2008 (age 16) 2 0 India Dempo
18 2DF Renin Singh Chingtham (2008-01-17) 17 January 2008 (age 16) 3 0 India Delhi
21 2DF Yaipharemba Chingakham (2008-02-06) 6 February 2008 (age 16) 12 0 India Classic FA

5 3MF Ngamgouhou Mate (Captain) (2008-05-03) 3 May 2008 (age 16) 12 2 India NorthEast United
7 3MF Manbhakupar Malngiang (2008-01-05) 5 January 2008 (age 16) 13 2 India Garhwal
10 3MF Md Arbash (2008-09-29) 29 September 2008 (age 16) 13 4 India Classic FA
13 3MF Levis Zangminlun (2008-01-07) 7 January 2008 (age 16) 13 3 India Sreenidi Deccan
14 3MF Vishal Yadav (2008-01-15) 15 January 2008 (age 16) 12 7 India Punjab
15 3MF Abdul Salha Sheergojri (2008-03-12) 12 March 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India Jammu & Kashmir FA
17 3MF Samson Ahongshangbam (2008-12-23) 23 December 2008 (age 15) 11 1 India Classic FA
19 3MF Mahmad Sami (2008-02-03) 3 February 2008 (age 16) 4 1 India Sudeva Delhi
20 3MF Kh Azlaan Shah (2008-01-01) 1 January 2008 (age 16) 5 1 India Delhi

8 4FW Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh (2008-12-23) 23 December 2008 (age 15) 10 2 India Classic FA
9 4FW Hemneichung Lunkim (2008-01-01) 1 January 2008 (age 16) 9 4 India Delhi
11 4FW Bharat Lairenjam (2008-04-03) 3 April 2008 (age 16) 13 2 India Classic FA
16 4FW Prem Hansdak (2008-02-20) 20 February 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India Zinc FA

Recent callups

The following footballers were part of national selection in the past twelve months, but are not part of the current call-up.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Aarush Hari (2008-12-13) 13 December 2008 (age 15) 0 0 India RFYC vs  Indonesia, August 2024

DF Abhijit Ngariyambam (2008-12-27) 27 December 2008 (age 15) 1 0 India Delhi vs  Bangladesh, September 2023
DF Vumlenlal Hangshing (2008-08-20) 20 August 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India Classic FA vs  Bangladesh, September 2023
DF Lekhachandra Phairembam (2008-03-01) 1 March 2008 (age 16) 0 0 India Sudeva Delhi vs  Indonesia, August 2024

MF Kangujam Yoheinba Meitei (2008-04-03) 3 April 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India Minerva Academy vs  Bangladesh, September 2023
MF Newton Singh Ningthoujam (2008-02-28) 28 February 2008 (age 16) 1 0 India Bengaluru vs  Bangladesh, September 2023
MF Bobby Singh (2008-01-13) 13 January 2008 (age 16) 2 0 India Chandigarh FA vs  Bangladesh, September 2023
MF Banlamkupar Rynjah (2008-07-15) 15 July 2008 (age 16) 2 0 India Shillong Lajong vs  Bangladesh, September 2024

FW Aiborlang Kharthangmaw (2008-07-27) 27 July 2008 (age 16) 2 2 India Sreenidi Deccan vs  Bangladesh, September 2023

Past squads

FIFA U-17 World Cup
AFC U-16 Championship squads

Competitive history

Red border indicates the team played as the host of the tournament.

FIFA U-17 World Cup

AFC U-17 Asian Cup

AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualification

SAFF U-17 Championship

WAFF U-16 Championship

*Denotes draws includes knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Red border indicates that the tournament was hosted on home soil. Gold, silver, bronze backgrounds indicates 1st, 2nd and 3rd finishes respectively. Bold text indicates best finish in tournament.

Overall competitive records

As of 27 October 2024 (excluding friendlies & minor tournaments)
Competition Pld W D L GF GA GD Win%
FIFA U-17 World Cup 3 0 0 3 1 9 −8 000.00
AFC U-17 Asian Cup 30 6 7 17 36 68 −32 020.00
AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualification 63 31 11 21 179 78 +101 049.21
SAFF U-17 Championship 37 28 4 5 104 19 +85 075.68
WAFF U-16 Championship 4 3 0 1 9 2 +7 075.00
Total 137 68 22 47 329 176 +153 049.64

See also

References

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