Reigning champions India will take on arch rivals Bangladesh in the opening Group A match of the SAFF U17 Championship to be played at the picturesque Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Friday, 20th September , 2024. Maldives is the third team who has been pooled in Group A, against whom the 2022 champions India will log heads  on 24th September. Group B on the other hand includes hosts Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals to be played on 28th September, followed by the final on 30th September

Indian Head Coach Ishfaq Ahmed under whom India had also won the SAFF U16 Championship that was held last year has retained 16 of the 23 from that squad which lifted the trophy at the very same venue expected a tough outing in the tourney opener and was confident of making a positive start in their title defense.

With the focus also on the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand to be played next month after the conclusion of the SAFF U17 Championship, the Indian Head Coach in a pre-tournament press conference said, “Although some of our current players are completely new to international football, but the time after last year's SAFF success and the Indonesia tour prior to SAFF U17 Championship has given us enough time our time train together, I'd definitely say we have matured. They are more experienced compared to last time. We have prepared accordingly for both SAFF and the important Asian qualifiers”.

An upbeat midfielder Ngamgouhou Mate, aged 16,  who started all four matches in last year's tournament and captained India in the Indonesia tour last month, added "We're back here after a year and aim to excel in the tourney and for that we are hopeful of a positive result against Bangladesh."

 Bangladesh team experienced Head Coach Saiful Bari Titu, who led his nation to the SAFF U19 and U16 Women's Championship title earlier this year (U19 jointly with India), ahead of his first age-group tournament with the Bangladesh Men's team felt these tournaments provide a good opportunity for young players to show their technical skills and gain valuable experience.

“We want to go step by step, first match first in our quest for being a strong contender. Our focus is how to compete with India, who are the defending champions. We hope to put on a show and get points tomorrow, " said Bangladesh Head Coach.

India's 23-member squad for SAFF U17 Championship:

Goalkeepers: Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Roy, Rohit ; Defenders: Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Chingtham Renin Singh, Jodric Abranches, Karish Soram, Mohammed Kaif, Usham Thoungamba Singh, Yaipharemba Chingakham; Midfielders: Abdul Salha Sheergojri, Ahongshangbam Samson, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Kh Azlaan Khan, Levis Zangminlun, Mahmad Sami, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Vishal Yadav; Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Hemneichung Lunkim.

Photo Cover : Indian Head Coach Ishfaq Ahmed at the pre-tournament press conference.

Photo Above : Captains of all the seven participating teams including defending champion led by 16-year old Ngamgouhou Mate (third from Left) pose with the SAFF U17 Championship Trophy (Photos courtesy The-AIFF)