Shillong, Mar 23: Meghalaya’s Ronney Kharbudon has been called up once again to the Indian U-23 men’s national football squad, this time as the Blue Colts play two friendlies against Bhutan and Tajikistan in the coming days.
Ronney made his U-23 national team debut in November in another friendly against Thailand where the defender was impressive even though India were battered 4-0.
India will play Bhutan on 28th March and Tajikistan on 31st March. Before that, Bhutan and Tajikistan will face off on 25th March. All three matches will be played in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, and kick-off will be at 7PM for all three games.
Ronney made his mark last year as he represented FC Goa in the home-and-away AFC Champions League 2 fixtures against Al Nassr as well as featuring for the club in the AIFF’s Super Cup.
The 23-year-old moved to Goa from Shillong Lajong last July. Ronney appeared in 38 I-League matches for Lajong over two seasons and scored three times. So far he has yet to make an appearance in FC Goa’s ongoing Indian Super League campaign.
India U-23 men’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Dipesh Chauhan, Mohanraj K, Priyansh Dubey
Defenders: Dippendu Biswas, Harsh Palande, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Ronney Kharbudon, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Subham Bhattacharya
Midfielders: Ebindas Yesudasan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Sanan K, Shivaldo Singh Chingangbam, Tomba Singh Haobam, Vinith Venkatesh, Zothanpuia
Forwards: Adison Singh Thokchom, Lalthankima, Muhammed Ajsal, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thoi Singh Huidrom
Support staff: Naushad Moosa (head coach), Noel Wilson (assistant coach), Gumpe Rime (goalkeeping coach)
(Shillong Lajong file photo)
