For the Goan tactician, this was his second U17 crown, adding to earlier triumphs at the SAFF U15 Championships in Kathmandu (2017), Kalyani (2019), the U17 title in Sri Lanka (2022), and most recently, the U19 crown in Arunachal Pradesh (2025). Now, with another U17 success in Colombo for a second time, Fernandes’ record reflects not just silverware, but a legacy of sustained excellence across India’s youth teams.

It is tempting to call this a story of numbers but the man himself quickly shifts the focus. “Winning a trophy is always special, but for me, it’s less about the number and more about the process behind it,” he said. “Each title reflects the hard work, discipline, and belief of the players and staff who commit themselves fully to the team’s cause. The fifth one for me is not a destination, it’s just another marker on our journey. It shows we are moving in the right direction, but it also reminds us that we cannot be satisfied.”

That word “process” has followed Fernandes since he first took charge. His coaching has always been built on the same foundation – realism. Training sessions under him are less about cones and comfort, and more about replicating the chaos, intensity, and decisions of a real match. “I avoid training sessions that merely resemble football. I only implement practices that directly translate to match-day performance. My goal is to ensure the players’ actions are instinctive and game-ready,” he explained.

And yet, within that strict demand for realism, Bibiano has carved out space for freedom. Mistakes, in his teams, are not punished but studied, as long as they come from courage. “I believe in fostering a culture of positive risk-taking. I give players the freedom to make mistakes, provided those mistakes come from an honest attempt to execute the team’s intention. This is how players learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the team,” he said. Many of his players over the years, some of whom now represent India at senior and U-23 level have carried that lesson forward, remembering their coach’s insistence that football belongs to the brave.

His leadership, he says, is guided by “understanding the moment”. Sometimes that means an arm around the shoulder of a struggling teenager far from home; at other times it means demanding more, raising standards, and making sure no one slips into complacency. This balance of empathy and firmness has earned him not just results, but loyalty.

Motivation, after so many victories, might be hard for some to sustain. But not for Fernandes. “My motivation comes from the game itself and from the responsibility I feel towards the players and Indian football. What drives me is the vision to see our football reach higher levels, to see players express themselves fearlessly, and to contribute to the long-term dream of competing at the world stage. As long as there is work to be done, I will always find the energy to keep going.”

Behind him, he adds, stands his family, the constant, unseen support system. “Their unwavering support has been an indispensable source of strength and motivation,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made at home so he could live this journey with Indian football.

As the trophy glittered under the Racecourse International Stadium floodlights, Bibiano knew the work was far from over. For him, this was not the climax of a story, but another chapter. The seventh U17 SAFF crown for India and his fifth as a coach will sit proudly in the record books, but the greater dream of seeing India stand tall on the world stage remains ahead. And if history is any guide, Fernandes will continue to move forward, one fearless training session, one brave young footballer, and one honest performance at a time.

Credits: AIFF Media

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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 U17 Asian Cup qualifiers to be played in October 2024.

Several players among the probables were part of the Indian squad that won the SAFF Men’s U16 championship in Bhutan last September.

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 U17 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 said.

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.

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While Indian Football is at a stage where qualification for the continental stage is celebrated as a success, there is one team that put that aside, dreamt of bigger things, and came tantalisingly close to achieving them. The man behind such ‘success’ and the subsequent audacious dream that almost turned into reality is none other than Bibiano Fernandes. While the 46-year-old now leaves the National Team fold after spending eight bright years in it, he leaves behind a sense of contentment and stoic belief that India can one day make it to the world’s biggest footballing stage au mérite.

“As I come to the end of eight tremendous years with the India U-17 and U-16 National Teams, the feeling is one of ample gratitude from my end. I would like to thank the AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran for all their help,” said Bibiano Fernandes. “It has been an incredible experience, and I’ve been fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with all the players and support staff who were with me during these years. My assistant coach Kanan (Priolkar), goalkeeping coaches Felix (Dsouza) and Jude Barretto, team manager Rocky, analyst Mishal (Thanveer), and kit manager Constancio (Pango) have all been great. Whatever we achieved would not have been possible without any one of them.”

“I am truly grateful for the support, guidance, and friendship I’ve received from each one of them, and I want to express my deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication that each one of them has put into helping the India U-16 and U-17 batches win three consecutive SAFF titles and to qualify for the AFC Championships three times in a row,” he said. “It was also a privilege to work with each and every player that was in our team across all the three batches, and I want to thank all of them for giving their all to the beautiful game.”

Perhaps the most memorable moment for the Blue Colts under Fernandes came in the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia, where India finished second in Group C to book their spot in the quarter-finals – one more win away from qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Vikram Partap Singh and co. came back with broken hearts, however, after a second-half strike from the Republic of Korea’s Jeong Sang-bin meant a 0-1 defeat for India in the quarter-finals.

In next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup, Korea Republic made it all the way to the quarter-finals, while Sang-bin went on to play for clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and Grasshopper CZ in the Swiss Super League. For India, the dream carried on.

The following batch of U-16s under Bibiano Fernandes raised eyebrows and induced goosebumps in every Indian Football fan, going on to score a massive 32 goals in seven matches across the SAFF U-15 Championship and the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers, conceding only one goal, which came against a strong Uzbekistan side, in front of a hostile crowd in Tashkent.

“The kind of football we played with the first batch was completely different from that in the second batch, and that entirely came down to the experience that the coaching staff gained in the first campaign and implemented the learnings in the second one,” said Fernandes. “I feel we had a certain amount of luck while qualifying for the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship, but we made the most of it to gain the experience.”

Sadly, the second batch never got to play in the AFC U-16 Championship in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“Those were unforeseen times and I feel extremely sad for the boys who had worked so hard to get to that level but never got to test themselves against the best in Asia due to no fault of their own,” he said. “But such were the times. Football is a very small thing when people are suffering and dying all around you.”

For the next batch, a SAFF U-17 Championship victory in Sri Lanka was followed by a successful qualification campaign in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Saudi Arabia, and the dream continued. The situation in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup group stage was, of course, much more overwhelming, but the Blue Colts performed admirably, going on to put up a tough fight against eventual champions Japan, losing 4-8 in the process. 

“What I can say at the end of the day is that everyone gave their best, and that’s all I can ask of my players,” said Fernandes. “I believe it’s important to acknowledge those in every arena of life who bring about a positive impact in everything. I’m thankful to all the players, staff, and fans that supported us through thick and thin and believed in our journey. Let’s keep supporting the Blue Colts. We have one goal, one dream!”

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Long Vu had put Vietnam in the lead towards the end of the first half, but India left-back Malemngamba Thokchom equalised in the 69th minute, to salvage a point for India.

India’s next two opponents in the group are Uzbekistan and Japan. The other match in the group between Japan and Uzbekistan ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was a cautious, yet controlling start by the Blue Colts, who enjoyed possession of the ball for large parts of the play in the Vietnam half.

Early free-kicks on either flank for India meant that Vanlalpeka Guite and Lalpekhlua Ralte could put in dangerous balls into the Vietnam box, but the chances were headed away.

The result of a corner by Danny Meitei was the same, when his aerial ball, aimed at Ricky Meetei, landed on a Vietnamese head.

Akash Tirkey had a great chance when he dribbled past two defenders and blasted it goalwards, but the ball went a foot wide.

A couple of minutes past the half hour mark, Vietnam had their first real chance of the game, when Cong Phuong stood over a free kick from close range, but he sent it wide.

However, it was Vietnam, who took the lead against the run of play in the dying minutes of the first half, when they cleared a corner by Danny, and Long Vu darted off past the half-line, to initiate a counter-attack. He swiftly ran into the Indian box and slotted it into the net.

Long Vu could have doubled the lead, but his header in added time of the first half crashed against the upright before it was cleared.

India head coach Bibiano Fernandes decided to throw Thanglalsoun Gangte into the fray, as the striker replaced midfielder Akash Tirkey.

The Blue Colts began to find their rhythm as the first 10 minutes of the second half came to an end. Danny tried his luck with a back volley, but it was straight at the keeper.

Malemngamba Thokchom had a brilliant chance after an alert Danny left a Guite pass. Thokchom darted through from the left, and pulled the trigger, but it only bulged the side netting.

A little over the hour mark, Gangte had the perfect chance when he was played through by Guite, but Vietnam keeper Bao Ngoc had his line covered. The India substitute’s subsequent effort from the rebound went wide.

Left-back Thokchom drew India level with 21 minutes left on the clock, when his stunning left-footed effort from long range nestled into the top corner in a spectacular fashion, giving Ngoc no chance.

The tempo of the game ebbed again after Thokchom’s goal, as Vietnam began to enjoy a goodly possession of the ball. It took some desperate defending by Ricky and Surajkumar Singh to keep the opponents out.

The tide turned again in the last five minutes when India looked to have the greater initiative. A little interplay between Guite and Thokchom on the left, and the former had a free line to cross it into the box. However, the cross went wide.

India had a great opportunity to take the lead deep into added time, when a cross by captain Korou Singh was attacked by Gangte, but the shot was saved. Substitute Omang Dodum got on the rebound, but volleyed it wide.

India U-17 XI: Sahil; Ricky Meetei, Pramveer, Surajkumar Singh, Malemngamba Thokchom; Gurnaj Singh Grewal, Vanlalpeka Guite, Korou Singh; Akash Tirkey (Thanglalsoun Gangte 46′), Danny Meitei (Omang Dodum 85′), Lalpekhlua Ralte (Gogocha Chungkham 65′).

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The 16-year-old wide attacking midfielder was named captain of the team for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023, after which the match kits for the tournament were distributed to the players, much to their amazement.

“Being the captain of India in a tournament like the AFC U-17 Asian Cup is a big responsibility, and we believe that Korou is quite capable of carrying out such leadership responsibilities,” Bibiano Fernandes said after announcing Korou as the captain of the team.

Korou, who has been with the team from the start, has increasingly become an influential player on the pitch. After scoring a goal each in the SAFF U-17 Championship and the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the winger went on to put on a fine show in the team’s training matches in Spain and Germany, against the junior teams of some of the top clubs in the world, like Atletico de Madrid, Real Madrid, VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg, and more.

Overall, he clocked three goals and five assists in the 10 practice matches in Europe, before reaching the shores of Thailand, where he scored one and assisted another in two training games against local sides.

“It’s an absolute honour for me to be named captain in such a prestigious tournament like the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. I never thought I’d ever be given such responsibility, but I feel grateful that the coaches have seen the potential in me to lead this team,” said Korou.

For head coach Bibiano Fernandes, it was a matter of finding the best suited player, who could not only lead the team on the pitch, but off it as well.

“It’s been a process through this year and a half with this team. Peka (Vanlalpeka Guite) was the captain last year in SAFF and the AFC qualifiers,” said Fernandes. “Then some new boys came in, and we tried to rotate the captain’s armband to as many boys as possible to see who takes up the leadership role in a good manner.

“It was also a matter of giving it to someone who the entire team loves and respects, and someone who can lead the rest of the boys both on and off the pitch. After assessing all the players in all areas, we had a meeting with the team officials and decided Korou was best suited,” he said.

“Being a captain means that one has to take responsibility for the entire team, encourage them on all occasions, and lead them through difficult times. In my books, a captain has to lead by example,” said Fernandes.

The India U-17s are currently training at the Khoya Yai Sports Complex in Thailand, and will shift to the country’s capital on June 14 before the start of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, where they are set to play Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Group D.

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Korou Singh gave India the early lead, before Danny Meitei and Vanlalpeka Guite added two more late in the second half.

India got off to a good start against Muang Thong United as Vanlalpeka Guite weaved his way into the opposition box and tried his luck, but his effort was parried away. The resulting corner was headed wide by Pramveer.

The Blue Colts almost had the lead in the fourth minute itself, when Korou Singh crossed it in to Lalpekhlua Ralte who hit the upright. The rebound fell to Korou, who sent it above the crossbar.

The breakthrough came on the 11th minute, when Danny Laishram played a quick free-kick to Korou, who put it past the keeper. India gained more control of the game after taking the lead, controlling more of the ball as they looked to dictate the proceedings.

Muang Thong came back stronger in the second half and looked to utilise the set-piece opportunities to get back into the match.

Midfielder Bin’s free-kick from the edge of the area was saved by Sahil, before the resulting corner was cleared by Ricky Meetei. India’s goalscorer Korou had another chance at the other end a few minutes later, but narrowly missed the target.

Muang Thong United earned another free-kick with less than 30 minutes of regulation time left, but the danger was averted by Pramveer. Akash Tirkey’s shot from outside the box a few minutes later was blocked, before India head coach Bibiano Fernandes made the first substitution in the 71st minute, bringing in Gogocha Singh in place of Lalpekhlua Ralte.

With a little over 15 minutes left, Ricky tried his luck from outside the box, but it was blocked by Bin. Soon after, an Akash shot was blocked by Onglee.

The floodgates opened in the 77th minute, when Danny Meitei doubled India’s lead. Guite played Gogocha through, as the latter crossed it in to Danny, who duly obliged.

Two minutes later, Gurnaj floated an aerial through ball to Guite, who brought it down and put it past the keeper to make it 3-0 in India’s favour. That was the last action of the day for Guite, who was soon replaced by Shashwat Panwar. Fernandes made a few more substitutions before the end of the game, giving a look-in to Shashwat Panwar, Faizan Waheed, Rohen Singh, and Prachit Gaonkar.

Akash and Danny had a couple of attempts in added time, but they were both thwarted, before the game was brought to an end by the referee.

Muang Thong United 0
India U-17s 3 (Korou Singh 11’, Danny Meitei 77’, Vanlalpeka Guite 79’)

India XI: Sahil; Ricky Meetei, Surajkumar Singh, Pramveer, Thokchom Malemngamba Singh (Faizan Waheed 86’); Gurnaj Grewal, Akash Tirkey, Danny Meitei (Prachit Gaonkar 90+4’), Lalpekhlua Ralte (Gogocha Singh 71’), Korou Singh (Rohen Singh 89’); Vanlalpeka Guite (Shashwat Panwar 81’).

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Lemmet Tangvah scored a brace in the first half, while Rohen Singh and Thanglalsoun Gangte added two more, to make it a comprehensive 4-0 victory for India in their last practice game in Germany.

The Blue Colts were off to a flying start, and after a shot by Akash Tirkey was saved by TSV Schwaben keeper Niklas Frank in the opening exchanges, Lemmet Tangvah put India in the lead in the 16th minute off a croner by Gogocha Chungkham.

Six minutes later, Lemmet turned provider, when his cross from the right found Rohen Singh, who made the most of his opportunity to double India’s lead.

Fullback Balkaran Singh also got in on the action with eight minutes of regulation time left in the first half, as his cross was turned in by Lemmet. With a commanding 3-0 lead in their favour, the India U-17 boys headed into the dressing room, as head coach Bibiano Fernandes made a couple of changes before the start of the second half. Goalkeeper Pranav was replaced by Julfikar Gazi, while forward Shashwat was replaced by Thanglalsoun Gangte.

TSV Schwaben did come out with a greater impetus, but Gazi was up to the task, as he thwarted efforts by Mustafa Yalcin and Burak Uludag. India soon struck a fourth, 10 minutes after the restart, when Gogocha found Gangte with an inch-perfect pass, as the latter got his name on the scoresheet.

Lemmet was on the lookout for his hat-trick, and almost came close to netting his third of the game in the 64th minute when he latched on to a Gogocha cross, but Schwaben defender Hazem Ibrahim made a last-ditch block to thwart the effort. That was the last chance Lemmet had as he was soon replaced by defender Gurnaj Singh Grewal.

Gogocha had another chance to make it five in the closing exchanges, as he hit the woodwork, but the scoreline remained 4-0 in India’s favour.The India U-17s will now train in Augsburg for one more day, before travelling to Thailand on June 1 for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. The team will train in Thailand for two weeks, before they face Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Group D of the tournament.

India U-17 XI: Pranav Sundarraman (GK) (Julfikar Gazi 46′), Faizan Waheed, Mukul Panwar, Balkaran Singh, Pramveer (C) (Manjot Singh Dhami 62′), Akash Tirkey, Prachit Gaonkar (Omang 57′), Rohen Singh, Lemmet Tangvah (Gurnaj Singh Grewal 79′), Gogocha Chungkham, Shashwat Panwar (Thanglalsoun Gangte 46′).

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The game, set to kick off at 8.30 pm IST, will be the third training match that the Blue Colts will play during their preparatory camp in Germany. Earlier this month, India played two more games against a mix of U-16 and U-19 boys from VFB Stuttgart (1-3) and SSV Reutlingen U-16 (6-1).

“We have had a few days to train after our last game, and we’re ready for our last two matches here in Germany,” said India head coach Bibiano Fernandes.

The India U-17s have been on an extensive preparatory path for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup (to be held next month in Thailand), as they camped in Spain for a month before shifting base to Stuttgart, Germany on May 16. Having played two matches in Stuttgart, and after attending a number of Bundesliga games, the Blue Colts have arrived in Augsburg for the last week of their training in Germany.

“We have had a fruitful time in Germany. The facilities have been fantastic, and the boys have learnt a lot from different sessions given by the coaches in Stuttgart,” said Fernandes.

The India U-17s have arrived in Augsburg on Thursday, and will play their first game against their hosts on Friday.

“Augsburg are of course one of the top clubs in Europe, and we expect their U-17 team to be of a very high standard as well. It will be a good game, but the boys are improving every day,” said Fernandes.

The Blue Colts, after finishing their preparation in Germany, will head to Thailand two weeks ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, for further training and acclimatisation. They will face Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Group D.

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Korou Singh had put India ahead in the 12th minute, before Angel Blanco equalised in the 24th. Luis Kawecki put the Spaniards in the lead on the 26th, before an own goal by Pramveer gave them a two goal lead just six minutes before the half-time break.

It was a measured start by both sides, as India goalkeeper Sahil kept the scores level early on, making a fine save from a shot by Eduardo Llorente. India striker Tangvah Lemmet soon came up with his own reply, as he pressed high to intercept a pass by the opposition keeper, but eventually sent his effort wide of the target.

India’s pressing tactic paid off soon after as Korou soon pressed keeper Juan Mugica and put the ball in the net, to give the Blue Colts the lead in the 12th minute.

Lemmet had another chance a few minutes later when India broke on the counter after a Getafe corner. Thokchom Singh sent in a cross towards Lemmet, but the striker could not get onto the end of it, as Mugica grasped the ball.

The Spaniards began to pick up the pace as the match edged closer to the 30-minute mark, and soon found the equaliser in the 24th when fullback Alberto Fernandez weaved his way into a dangerous position before passing it to Angel Blanco, who drew Getafe level.

Luis Kawecki scored another two minutes later to turn the tables in favour of Getafe, before a defensive error by the Indians handed the Spanish side a two-goal advantage in the 39th minute.

The second half saw a number of changes being introduced by India head coach Bibiano Fernandes, who brought in Vanlalpeka Guite in place of Akash Tirkey in the 46th minute. Ten minutes into the second half, Lemmet played Korou through on goal, but it was saved by Mugica. That was Lemmet’s last meaningful contribution of the game as he was soon replaced by Shashwat, while Lalpekhlua Ralte was replaced by Gogocha.

India went looking for the two goals that would put them on level terms once again, but the Getafe defence managed to contain them. With 12 minutes of regulation time left, India head coach Bibiano Fernandes preferred to give more chances to the boys on the bench, bringing on Mukul Panwar, Faizan Waheed, Omang Dodum, and Rohen Singh, in place of Surajkumar, Thokchom Singh, Danny Meitei, and Korou Singh. 

Shashwat came close to pulling one back a minute before the full-time whistle, as he was fed a through ball by Vanlalpeka Guite. The former’s effort was blocked by Tawona Makumbe, but he got onto the rebound, and rattled the cross-bar in his second effort, before the referee brought an end to the game.

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The Blue Colts have been training in Spain over the last few weeks as part of their preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which is set to take place in Thailand next month. India, who have been placed in Group D of the Asian Cup, will face Vietnam (June 17), Uzbekistan (June 20), and Japan (June 23) in Pathum Thani and Bangkok.

After a string of fine performances, in which they played Atletico de Madrid U-17s (4-1), CD Leganes U-18s (0-2), Atletico de Madrid U-16s (2-1), and Real Madrid U-17s (3-3), the boys will now focus on the last two matches in Spain before heading to Germany for two more weeks.

Head coach Bibiano Fernandes said, “The boys are really motivated to work harder after the last few matches, especially after the result against Real Madrid, has been very positive.

However, the India U-17 head coach was quick to steer his boys away from any possible Icarus paradox.

“The results in the last few matches have been have been quite promising, but we are also aware of the complacency which is natural tendency of a human behaviour. We are playing all these matches to prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup, which is our ultimate goal,” said Fernandes. “Of course these matches have been great, but they can be a double-edged sword in that they could make the players complacent. The coaching staff has been working hard to condition the players mentally, so that they maintain this consistency through to the Asian Cup.”

India’s game against Getafe U-18s will be a challenging one for the boys, especially in the physical aspect.

“Of course, no game is easy at this level, and Getafe U-18s are a very good side. They are technically sound, and I believe they are also physically more imposing than us,” said he. “But we also have our strong points, and will play accordingly.

“We’ve got two more matches to go in Spain, and then we move on to Germany. They boys are progressing really well, and hopefully they will be at the proper level ahead of the Asian Cup,” he said. India’s match against Getafe U-18s will get underway 4 pm IST on Wednesday.

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