AIFF announces probables for SAFF U17 Men's Championship Camp

Ahead of the SAFF U17 Men's Championship, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced a 31-member probables squad for the U17 national camp to be held in Srinagar, starting July 8, 2024. Serving as a preparatory ground for the upcoming SAFF U17 Men's Championship 2024, the U17 national football team's camp will be conducted.

The SAFF U17 Men's Championship is a seven-nation tournament that is set to be played in Bhutan from September 18 to 28, 2024. India have been drawn in Group A alongside Maldives and neighbors Bangladesh. Hosts Bhutan, along with Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka make up Group B.

After completing their campaign at the SAFF U17 Men's Championship, the Indian squad will continue its training in Srinagar, keeping in mind the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, which will be held in Thailand in October 2024.

Speaking of the probables, numerous players were also a part of the Indian squad that triumphed at the SAFF Men's U16 Championship in Bhutan last September.

Ahead of the training camp for the SAFF U17 tournament, head coach Ishfaq Ahmed expressed his excitement to coach the young group.

“I feel excited by the prospect of coaching these talented bunch of youngsters. Most of these players were playing in the U17 youth league, the others have been picked up by our scouts," Ishfaq was quoted as saying by AIFF.

He also added that having the camp in Srinagar will benefit the players in their preparation for the tournament.

“It is good that the camp will be held in Srinagar. Since the tournament is in Bhutan, the boys will get used to playing in high altitude during the camp," said the head coach.

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List of the 31-member probables squad for the SAFF U17 Men's Championship Camp

India U17 Men's football team (Image via AIFF Media)

The list of probables:

Goalkeepers: Rohit, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Ray.

Defenders: Thongram Rishikanta Singh, Lekhachandra Phairembam, Mohammed Kaif, Asher Rebello, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Chingtham Renin Singh, Karish Soram, Abdul Salha, Jodric Abranches.

Midfielders: Ngamgouhou Mate, Lunkhongam Chongloi, Kishor Tiwari, Laishram Suraj Singh, Levis Zangminlun, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Mohammad Sami, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Mohammad Shameel, Mohammad Arbash, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma.

Forwards: Ginminhao Khongsai, Prem Hansdak, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat, Hemneichung Lunkim, Dhriten Mehra.

Head coach: Ishfaq Ahmed.