Odisha mid-fielders Ranjan Soren and Aula Siba Prasad have made it to the India U-16 National Football Team for an exposure tour to United Arab Emirates from 15 January, 2021. The Indian team is set to play four matches during the tour. The tour is an effort to prepare for the AFC U-16 Championship, slated to be held in Bahrain later this year.

India U-16 lads have qualified for the AFC U-16 Championship, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one to finish top of their group from the three qualification matches. They will start the UAE tour with a match against Al Hamriyah FC at the Al Hamriyah Sports Club in Sharjah.

Following that, the U-16 boys are slated to play another match against Sharjah FC, before facing the UAE U-16 National Team in two friendly matches. Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes said the exposure matches in UAE would be crucial before the AFC U-16 Championship.

“As we know, UAE are one of the stronger countries in Asian football, and playing two matches against their U-16 team will give the boys a good look into what it will take to compete against the best in Asia and move forward together,” he stated.

INDIA U-16 SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Aman Kumar Sahani, Som Kumar, Lionel Daryl Rymmei.
Defenders: Anish Mazumder, Halen Nongtdu, Singson Paogoumang, Amandeep, Pritam Meetei Sorokhaibam, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Shameek Caine Vas.
Midfielders: Satvik Sharma, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Maheson Singh Tongbram, Ranjan Soren, Ebindas Yesudasan, Taison Singh Loitongbam, Aula Siba Prasad, Sibajit Singh Leimapokpam, Emboklang Nonghlaw.
Forwards: Shubho Paul, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Sridarth Nongmeikapam, Himanshu Jangra.
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PHOTO: File photo of Indian U-15 football team featuring Odisha duo (Front row, 1st and 2nd from left) Ranjan Soren and Aula Siba Prasad.