BOMBSHELL: India U17 Squad Named for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers - Everything You Need to Know!

New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian football community, head coach Ishfaq Ahmed announced the 23-member squad for the highly-anticipated AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. The upcoming tournament, which will be held in Thailand from October 23-27, is set to be a crucial stepping stone for India's future football stars.

India's U17 men’s national team will be placed in Group D, where they will face stiff competition from Brunei Darussalam on October 23, Turkmenistan on October 25, and hosts Thailand. The squad selection marks the culmination of months of rigorous training and evaluation, with the coaching staff working tirelessly to identify the best talents from across the country.

For head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, this tournament presents an excellent opportunity for the young players to showcase their skills on the international stage. Speaking on the squad selection, Ahmed said, 'The AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers will be a massive test for our young players, but I am confident that they have the potential to make a significant impact. The team has been working diligently, honing their skills and strategies, and I am excited to see them in action.'

The Indian U17 squad is brimming with talented youngsters, each of whom brings a unique set of skills and strengths to the table. With the nation's hopes pinned on these young shoulders, the stakes are undoubtedly high. However, the Indian team's prospects look bright, and their chances of advancing to the next round are being eagerly discussed among fans and pundits alike.

With the tournament just around the corner, preparations are in full swing. The Indian team will face a challenging environment in Thailand, but Ahmed remains optimistic about his team's prospects. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and adaptability, saying, 'The key to success lies in the ability of the players to work together as a cohesive unit, to execute the team's strategy effectively, and to adapt to the changing demands of the game.'

As the Indian U17 squad gears up to take on the best teams from Asia, the nation's football fans are anxiously awaiting the tournament's commencement. With the stage set for an enthralling showdown, the question on everyone's mind is: can India's young guns rise to the challenge and bring glory to the nation?