MARGAO
Two Goan footballer Asher Rebello and Jodrick Abranches have been selected for the U-17 national camp to be held in Srinagar from July 8 in preparations for the SAFF U17 Men’s Championship 2024.
Rebello plays for FC Goa while Abranches dons the colours of Dempo Sports Club.
Both the defenders have exceptional skills and dedication that helped them earn a call from the National training camp. The seven-nation tournament will be played in Bhutan from September 18 to 28. India are clubbed with Maldives and Bangladesh in Group A, while Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Si 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 which is scheduled to be played in October 2024.
Several players among the probables were part of the Indian squad that won the SAFF Men’s U-16 championship in Bhutan last September.
"Asher Rebello and Jodrick Abranches have brought laurels to Goa as well as to their respective clubs. Heartiest congratulations to them on their remarkable achievement. Such accomplishments will undoubtedly inspire sports enthusiasts from the state," said senior vice president of Goa Football Association Anthony Pango.
Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed who donned colours for HAL Dempo and Mohun Bagan 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,” Ishfaq added.
The list of probables
Goalkeepers: Rohit, Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Ray.
Defenders: Thongram Rishikant Singh, Lekhachandra, Mohammed Kaif, Asher Rebello, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Chingtham Renin Singh, Karish Soram, Abdul Salha, Jodrick Abranches.
Midfielders: Ngamgouhou Mate, Lunkhangam Chongoli, Kishor Tiwari, Laishram Suraj Singh, Levis Zangminlun, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Mohammad Sami, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Mohammad Shameel, Mohammad Arbash, Brahmacharimayun Sharma.
Forwards: Ginminhao Khonsai, Prem Hansdak, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat, Hemneichung Lunkim, Dhirten Mehra.
Head coach: Ishfaq Ahmed.
