Shillong, Apr 23: Shillong Lajong’s Yohaan Benjamin has been named in a list of 35 probables as selection takes place for the Indian team that will participate in the SAFF U-19 Championship.
India U-19 men’s team coach Bibiano Fernandes announced the probables on Saturday. The South Asian tournament will be held in Arunachal Pradesh from 9th to 18th May.
The Maharashtra born Yohaan has been in the Lajong youth setup for a few years now but he made a splash in the 2024 Shillong Premier League, which Lajong won. Capable on both wings, Yohaan is an attacking midfielder and he scored 9 goals in all in SPL 2024; he wasn’t by any means the top scorer but he was remarkably consistent, scoring in nine separate matches. The 17-year-old was also an important part of the SLFC team that finished as runners-up in the Meghalaya State League 2024.
Hosts India will face Sri Lanka (9th May) and Nepal (13th May) in Group B. Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh are in Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals that will be played on 16th May and the final will take place on 18th May.
The Blue Colts are currently camping at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bangalore.
India’s 35 probables:
Goalkeepers: Aarush Hari, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Alsabith Sulaiman Thekkekaramel, Rohit
Defenders: Ashik Adhikari, Takhellambam Bungson Singh, Jodric Abranches, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Mohammed Kaif, Mukul Panwar, Nirbhay Singh, Pramveer, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Thoungamba Usham Singh, Vumlenlal Hangshing, Sohum Utreja, Roshan Singh Thangjam, Karish Soram
Midfielders: Ahongshangbam Samson, Danny Meitei Laishram, Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Levis Zangminlun, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Chaphamayum Rohen Singh, Singamayum Shami, Yohaan Benjamin, Lalruatfela
Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Daniyal Makakmayum, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Vishal Yadav, Hemneichung Lunkim
(File photo)
