India looks for their first win in the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup against Uzbekistan in the second group stage game.
IND-U17 vs UZB-U17 Match Details
Date: Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Time: 17:30 (IST)
Venue: Thammasat Stadium, Pathum Thani
IND-U17 vs UZB-U17 Match Preview
The 1-1 draw against Vietnam U17 in their 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup group opener was not the result India U17 desired. Playing without a proper number nine, the Blue Colts fell back at the end of the first half despite starting it strongly. On the break from a corner, the Golden Stars took the lead with midfielder Lê Đình Long Vũ rifling a left-footed shot past outstretched Sahil. Bibiano Fernandes made changes in the second half and the team responded swiftly with left-back Malemngamba Thokchom lobbing a 25 yards screamer for the equalizer in the 69th minute. Before that, the Blue Colts created a series of openings but could not find the back of the net. The draw does not help India as they sit fourth in the table despite the other game between Uzbekistan U17 and Japan U17 also ending 1-1. This is because Bibiano’s side accumulated too many cards in the game on Saturday.
It is a must-win match for the junior side against Uzbekistan U17 to stay in the competition and not put everything at stake against Japan U17 in the final group match. The boys will take inspiration from the senior team's Intercontinental Cup truimph just a day ago as a pathway for their success. The White Wolves as the Uzbek side is known as will look to derail the plans of the Blue Colts trying to escape the group stages having halted Japan U17 in their tournament opener. This will be the third meeting for India’s U17 team with Uzbekistan U17 side this year having played two friendlies against them in January in Goa. The home nation won the first encounter 2-0 with goals from Vanlalpeka Guite and Lalpekhlua but suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat in the next one a day later.
IND-U17 vs UZB-U17 Squads
India U17
Goalkeepers: Sahil Poonia, Julfikar Gazi, Pranav Sundarraman
Defenders: Ricky Meetei Haobam , Surajkumar Singh Ngangbam , Mukul Panwar , Malemngamba Singh Thokchom , Pramveer Singh , Dhanajit Ashangbam
Midfielders: Vanlalpeka Guite, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Korou Singh Thingujam, Lalpekhlua, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Omang Dodum, Faizan Waheed, Akash Tirkey, Prachit Vishwas Naik Gaonkar
Forwards: Thanglalsoun Gangte, Shashwat Panwar, Gogocha Chungkham, Lemmet Tangvah
Head Coach: Bibiano Fernandes
Captain: Korou Singh Thingujam
Uzbekistan U17
Goalkeepers: Asilbek Numonov, Mukhamadyusuf Sobirov, Diyor Tulaboev
Defenders: Sherzod Abdulboriev, Dilshod Abdullaev, Bekhruz Jumatov, Mukhammad-Bobur Karimov, Mamadolikhon Olimov, Asror Otakhonov, Ozod Uktamov
Midfielders: Laziz Mirzaev, Ollabergan Karimov, Azizbek Tulkunbekov, Abdulkhamid Ikromov, Mukhammadali Reimov, Oybek Urmonjonov, Aminbek Yokubov
Forwards: Shodiyor Shodiboev, Amir Saidov, Kuvonch Abraev, Bekhruz Shukurullaev, Nikolaos Akopov, Abdulkamid Turgunboev
Head Coach: Olim Shokirov
