India to face Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE in AFC U-16 Championship 2016

AFC U-16 Championship Draw: India drawn alongside Asian powerhouses Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE,
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media

Nicolai Adam's team got Asian powerhouse Iran alongside Saudi Arabia and UAE in their group after the draw for the AFC U-16 Championship 2016 took place at the Taj Vivanta, Panjim, Goa. A total of 16 teams have been drawn in 4 groups. The matches will be played at the Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and Bambolim Stadium. There will be 6 other training grounds which are to be used during the tournament.

India U-16 Coach Nicolai Adam sounded positive when asked about the draw. "I like the draw, when you look at the groups it's pretty even. We see this as a stepping stone to the World Cup; so the more difficult the opposition the better. We still have a long way to go though. All I want is good competition to prepare the World Cup, the motive is still to reach the semi-finals of the AFC championships," said the gaffer.

The final Group divisions

Group A: India (hosts), UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran  

Group B: Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Japan, Australia

Group C: Iraq, Oman, Malaysia, Korea Republic 

Group D: Yemen, Thailand, Uzbekistan, DPR Korea

India's fixtures

September 15, 2016: India vs UAE – September (7pm).

September 18, 2016: Saudi Arabia vs India (7pm).

September 21, 2016: India vs Iran (7pm)

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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