India U-17 Hold UAE to Goalless Draw in First Friendly Ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India's under-17 men's national team began its final phase of preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifiers with a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

The Blue Colts, coached by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, held their UAE counterparts to a 0-0 result at the Emirates Football Club Stadium. The match was the first of two international friendlies scheduled in the UAE as India looks to sharpen its preparations before travelling to Malaysia for the qualifying tournament.

While neither side managed to find the net, the fixture provided India with another opportunity to test its combinations and match readiness against international opposition. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, November 4, in the second friendly.

For Wadoo and his squad, the immediate objective is to use these matches to prepare for a demanding qualifying campaign in which India will have little margin for error.

India will face the UAE again at the Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah on November 4. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30 IST. The second fixture will be the final international test before the Blue Colts travel to Kuala Lumpur on November 5. The squad will then turn its attention to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifiers, scheduled from November 11 to 20.

India's preparations have included a two-match friendly series against Myanmar earlier in October. The Blue Colts drew the first encounter 1-1 before producing a convincing 4-0 victory in the second match in Thanlyin.

Following those fixtures, the team continued its preparatory camp in Margao before travelling to the UAE on October 30. The two matches against the UAE form the final part of this preparation programme. The goalless draw in the opening encounfter gives India another opportunity to assess its performance before the November 4 rematch. With the qualifiers approaching, the coaching staff will be looking to ensure that the team is ready for the intensity and demands of competitive group-stage football.

India have been drawn in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam. The Blue Colts will begin their qualifying campaign against Singapore on November 11. Their remaining fixtures are against Guam on November 14, Palestine on November 17 and Malaysia on November 20.

The schedule presents a demanding sequence of four matches in ten days, making consistency across the campaign particularly important. India will need to build momentum from the opening fixture while managing the physical and tactical demands of a compact tournament schedule.

The qualification format leaves little room for mistakes. Only the group winners will progress to the final tournament, meaning India must finish above all four opponents to secure its place at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The match against Malaysia on the final day could prove especially significant, with the hosts also competing for the group-winning position. However, India's immediate focus will be on beginning strongly against Singapore before taking the campaign one match at a time.

India are aiming to qualify for the Asian Cup for the second consecutive edition, having secured their previous qualification under former head coach Bibiano Fernandes. Wadoo will now look to guide the next generation of Blue Colts through the same challenge.

India have travelled with a 23-player squad comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards. The goalkeeping group consists of Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi and Newtan Irengbam. The defensive options include Jinesh Thoudam, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Sailex Oinam, Maldino Singh Yumnam and Zoramdinthara.

In midfield, Wadoo has selected Dallalmuon Gangte, Henthoiba Keisam, David Mangang Irom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, R Lawmsangzuala and Thiyam Sambay. The forward line comprises Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Md Sahir Ali, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Ristik Maity and Felix Meitei Saikhom.

The squad provides the coaching staff with options across all departments as they continue to evaluate the group ahead of the qualifiers.

The 0-0 result against the UAE is the first step in India's final preparations, with another meeting between the teams offering a last opportunity to fine-tune the squad before the competitive campaign begins. The Blue Colts have already experienced different outcomes against Myanmar, drawing once and winning convincingly in the return fixture. The UAE friendlies provide another test against international opposition, while the upcoming qualifiers will demand sustained performance across four matches.

With a place in the 2027 Asian Cup at stake, India's task is clear: finish top of Group E. The second friendly on November 4 will be the final opportunity to build momentum before the team travels to Malaysia for a campaign that could define the next stage of this young group's development.