All posts tagged: SAFF U17

Inside India’s U-17 Asian Cup Qualification

Inside India’s U-17 Asian Cup Qualification

Published by Webster

When the final whistle went at Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena on Sunday night, Bibiano Fernandes didn’t celebrate right away. He didn’t roar into the sky or sprint down the touchline. Instead, he stood still, momentarily overwhelmed, letting the noise flood around him. India had just beaten Iran, the group favourites, the technical gold standard, the team that needed only a draw and sealed qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026. It will be India’s 10th appearance at the tournament, and Bibiano’s fourth qualification as head coach. And yet, for a man who has lived through the pressure, the heartbreak, the rebuilding, and the constant churn of young football talent, this night felt different. Speaking to the media over a video call, Bibiano unpacked the journey with characteristic clarity and humility. “I never felt like that before,” Bibiano admitted, his voice softening. “Beating Iran in a home game, in this kind of situation… I was really, really proud of the boys, proud of my staff, and everyone in the stadium who supported us.” Even three days …

India crowned champions of SAFF U17 men’s championship

Published by Webster

India’s stranglehold over the SAFF U17 championship remained unscathed when they retained the title defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final of the 2024 edition at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Monday, September 30, 2024. After a barren first half, Mohammed Kaif put India ahead with a beauty of a header in the 58th minute. Whatever challenges Bangladesh were left with was finished off by Mohammed Arbash in the 90+5 minutes with a stinging left-footer. Indian boys called the shot from the beginning, but it is never easy to find the target against a team, who refuse to show interest in taking the ball ahead and take the pitch with an utmost defensive mindset. It happened with the Blue Colts today. The Indians found their road blocked by a jungle of legs whenever they managed to carry the ball into the opposition half. In such a scenario, set pieces remain the last resort and it helped the Indians too. In the 58th minute came India’s first goal from a corner kick. Skipper Ngamgouhou Mate …

India take full points in SAFF U17 Championship opener against Bangladesh

Published by Webster

Defending champions India made a winning start to their SAFF U17 Championship campaign as they defeated Bangladesh by a solitary goal in a Group A match at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, on Friday, September 20, 2024. After struggling to breach a determined Bangladesh defence for the most of the encounter despite complete dominance over the proceedings, defender Sumit Sharma made all the difference with a deft header in the 91st minute that hit the pitch before spinning into the goal. The young defender once again displayed his opportunism; an almost similar strike from him gave India a fine win over Indonesia in a friendly game last month. It was substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang, who was pushed in by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed in the 78th minute, who did the initial spadework as his measured cross into the box from the right caught a host of Bangladesh defenders on the wrong foot. While the only goal of the match fetched the Blue Colts three points in a three-team group, they would certainly not feel satisfied with …