Indian under-19 football team to participate in Asian event

NEW DELHI: A 17-member Indian under-19 football squad will participate in the FAM-FRENZ Asia Champions Trophy starting August 19 in Malacca, Malaysia.

The Indian colts have been clubbed in Group A alongside Frenz United A, Felda United FC (both Malaysia) and Chonburi FC ( Thailand).

The teams will play on a home and away basis and the top two from the group stage will progress to the knock-out rounds.

The Indian contingent will take on Felda United FC in their first game.

Expressing his content with the exposure that the Asia Champions Trophy will provide, Head Coach of the Indian U-19 National Team Lee Johnson said, "It is important for any Player to play games in a competitive environment, as a competitive environment is an integral part of any Player's development."

"These Competitions provide the experience needed in order to develop as a Player," added the former Chelsea Academy Coach.

The 17 member squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Sukhdev Patil, Haokip Jedidi

DEFENDERS: Nishu Kumar, Amey Ranawade, Kapil Boro, Mohd. Sajid Dhot, Lalthakima, Nuruddin

MIDFIELDERS: Suman Sarkar, Malsawmzuala, Bidyananda Singh, Vinit Rai, Loken Moirangthem.

FORWARDS: Milan Basumatary, Ashique Kuruniyan, Lalrinzuala Chhangte, Mawihmingthanga

HEAD COACH: Lee Johnson

The fixture list for the Indian Colts is as follows:

August 19: Felda United FC v AIFF India

August 26: Chonburi FC v AIFF India

September 02: AIFF India v Felda United FC

September 23: AIFF India v Frenz United A

October 14: AIFF India v Chonburi FC

October 22: Frenz United A v AIFF India.