As the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 unfolds in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is on September 22, 2025. Both teams have already secured their places in the semi-finals, adding an extra layer of intensity to this Group B encounter. India U17 coach Bibiano Fernandes is looking to keep his team grounded and focused.
Fernandes has emphasized the importance of treating the high-profile match like any other, reminding his players to concentrate on executing their game plan and play good football. "An India–Pakistan game always brings excitement and attention, but we remind the boys to treat it like any other match,” Fernandes stated. He stressed the need for humility and focus, recognizing that Pakistan would present a unique challenge.
India enters the match with momentum, having showcased a dominant performance in their opening game against the Maldives, securing a 6-0 victory. Dallalmuon Gangte, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, and Aazim Parveez Najar all contributed goals in the match. The team further solidified their position by defeating Bhutan.
Pakistan have also demonstrated their strength, with convincing wins against Bhutan (4-0) and Maldives (5-2). Fernandes acknowledged Pakistan's quality, noting their strong organization and physicality. "Pakistan are a strong side with good organisation and physicality. They've shown their quality in the tournament so far, and we know they will test us,” said Fernandes.
Bibiano Fernandes is aiming for his record fifth SAFF title. He previously led India to the SAFF U19 title in May 2025 and was also in charge when India won the SAFF U17 Championship 2022 in Sri Lanka.
The long-term goal for Fernandes and the Blue Colts extends beyond the SAFF U17 Championship. The team is also preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled for November 2025 in Ahmedabad. Fernandes has emphasized that the past two months of training in Goa have been about building team unity and preparing for both the SAFF Championship and the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
India's 23-member squad for the SAFF U17 Championship 2025 includes goalkeepers Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar; defenders Houlungou Mate, Indra Rana Magar, Konthoujam Korou Meitei, Md Aimaan Bin, Lawmsangzuala, Shubham Poonia, and Yumnam Maldino Singh; midfielders Abrar Ali Baba, Dallalmuon Gangte, Thanggoumang Touthang, Thokchom Diamond Singh, Wangkhem Denny Singh, and Yengkhom Nitishkumar Meitei; and forwards Aazim Parveez Najar, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Lesvin Rebelo, and Rahan Ahmed. The squad was selected after trials that included 86 players. Chandam Chitrasen Singh is the assistant coach, Parshuram Salwadi is the goalkeeping coach, and Karan Mane is the strength and conditioning coach.
As the India U17 team prepares to face Pakistan, Coach Fernandes' message is clear: stay humble, remain focused, and execute the game plan.
