“The job is not done yet,” says India U-16 Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Building on the 13 game winning streak, the Blue Colts have scored 10 goals from 2 matches and conceded none on their two U-16 AFC Championship Qualifiers campaign so far.
Such dominance in the Asian level may well be a positive sign for the upcoming future. However, “the job is not done yet,” says India U-16 Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes. The Indian U-16 boys 90 minutes behind from a direct qualification to the AFC U-16 Finals to be held in Bahrain next year.
The U-16 boys have won against Turkmenistan, and Bahrain by identical 5-0 margins, and that has put them at a goal difference of +10. In contrast, Uzbekistan has defeated Bahrain 3-1, and overcome Turkmenistan 3-2. That has put them on six points, but at a goal difference of +3. So even a draw against hosts and Asian powerhouses Uzbekistan would suffice.
As per the regulations, the 11 group winners, and the 4 best second-placed teams will make it to the Finals, with Bahrain being automatic entrants on the virtue of being the hosts.
“We have had two good results. We need to go into the last game against Uzbekistan with the same attitude,” said Fernandes. “A draw is never in our mind.”
“We want to win it and come out of the group with nine points. We had set an objective of winning all three games in the group, before coming here, and we intend to fulfil that objective, regardless of what the equations are.” Since 2011, the India U-16 National Teams have made it to the AFC finals on three occasions – in 2011, 2015, and 2017.
The match is scheduled to kick-off at the JAR Stadium in Tashkent which is considered as the Fortress of the Uzbekistan National Teams at IST 4.30pm tomorrow (September 22, 2019).
Bibiano’s boys are all part of AIFF’s youth development set-up which is based in Goa. The colts have been on a fiery run over the last couple of months, a run that has seen them win 13 matches on the trot, with victories earned in Thailand, the SAFF U-15 Championship in India, two friendlies in Turkey (including a 6-3 win against Turkish giants Fenerbahce FK), followed by the decimation of Turkmenistan and Bahrain in the AFC U-16 Qualifiers.
Bibiano’s rival counterpart Azamat Abduraimov maintained “India are a strong team.” “It’s evident in the manner they play. Despite playing at home, we will respect them. We will go out to secure a victory, but that won’t be easy. It will be an interesting match,” Azamat stated.
“Uzbekistan is the home side. That’s an added advantage for them,” Bibiano maintained. “We have come here with experience of exposure tours in Italy, Thailand, and Turkey, and also the SAFF Championship back home,” he added. “But playing at home, having the support of the crowd behind your back does make a lot of difference.”
Bibiano has been regarded as the ‘Man with the Midas touch’ having guided India U-16 to the quarterfinals of the AFC U-16 finals in 2018 where they were a match away from a direct qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Maharashtra gears up for Santosh Trophy
Also Read: FC Goa Dev Team win Police Cup in penalty shoot-out
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…