AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The AIFF U-16 Team are going to have a steeper road ahead before they fly to Nepal for the forthcoming AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Qualification. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes said that he and his team are still looking for more players to bolster his team's chances to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championship next year.

"We're still looking for more players. I would rather say, we're still in the trial mode,” Bibiano stated when www.the-aiff.com caught up with him.

He added: "We added a few players from DSK Shivajians, TATA Football Academy and other Academies. We're continuing the process to add more talents in our squad."

On being asked whether he is looking for any player at any particular position, he informed: "We need to fill up certain positions. I’m especially looking for a right back."

The AIFF U-16 team are currently playing U-18, U-20 and college teams who are mostly physically superior to them. Bibiano stated that it'd help them prepare better for the AFC U16 Qualifications.

Coach mentioned that "playing against elder boys will aid the process as we have to tough contests against Iraq and Palestine, who are well-built and physically stronger."

Meanwhile, India are clubbed with hosts Nepal, Iraq and Palestine in Group D. India will play them at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu during September 20-24, 2017.

The team will ply their trade in the upcoming SAFF Championship which is scheduled to kick-start on August 18, 2017.