Shillong, Jun 27: Two Meghalaya boys – Manbhakupar Malngiang and Banlamkupar Rynjah – have been included in the list of 31 probables for the U-17 Indian national football camp in preparation for the SAFF U-17 Men’s Championship 2024.
Manbhakupar is registered with Lah Bet FC, which has a tie-up with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools. He already has national team experience, having been part of the Indian team that won the SAFF U-16 Championship final against Bangladesh in September last year.
Banlamkupar plays locally for Shillong Lajong FC, which described him as a forward, though the All India Football Federation has listed him among the midfielders.
The camp will take place in Srinagar from 8th July.
The seven-nation SAFF tournament will be played in Bhutan from 18th to 28th September. India are clubbed with Maldives and Bangladesh in Group A, while Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
Once the SAFF campaign is over, the squad will continue to train in Srinagar for the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be played in October in Thailand.
On the AIFF website head coach Ishfaq Ahmed said, “I feel excited by the prospect of coaching these talented bunch of youngsters. Most of these players were playing in the U-17 youth league, the others have been picked up by our scouts. It is good that the camp will be held in Srinagar. Since the tournament is in Bhutan, the boys will get used to playing in high altitude during the camp.”
India U-17 men’s team probables:
Goalkeepers: Rohit, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Ray
Defenders: Thongram Rishikanta Singh, Lekhachandra Phairembam, Mohammed Kaif, Asher Rebello, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Chingtham Renin Singh, Karish Soram, Abdul Salha, Jodric Abranches
Midfielders: Ngamgouhou Mate, Lunkhongam Chongloi, Kishor Tiwari, Laishram Suraj Singh, Levis Zangminlun, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Mohammad Sami, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Mohammad Shameel, Mohammad Arbash, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma
Forwards: Ginminhao Khongsai, Prem Hansdak, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat, Hemneichung Lunkim, Dhriten Mehra
