FC Mangalore’s impressive journey to the final round of the AIFF Youth League 2024-25 has earned the club national recognition, with three of its standout players receiving a coveted call-up to the India U-17 national team selection camp. The selections come after a series of eye-catching performances in Guwahati, where AIFF scouts closely monitored emerging talent throughout the competition.
Among the selected are:
- Amal – a commanding presence between the sticks, the young goalkeeper showcased maturity beyond his years, pulling off crucial saves that kept FC Mangalore in contention throughout the tournament.
- Zayed Haque – the versatile defender was a rock at the back, combining physicality with composure and leadership. His ability to read the game and organize the backline didn’t go unnoticed.
- Denny Singh – the engine of the team, the dynamic midfielder impressed with his ball control, vision, and tireless work ethic. Singh was instrumental in transitioning play from defense to attack and often dictated the tempo of the game.
Following the announcement, FC Mangalore Media got in touch with Under-17 Head Coach Shailesh Karkera for his reaction.
“Last season was particularly special as we exceeded all expectations in our run all the way to the final round and we pulled off some spectacular performances along the way. The India camp call-up is the dream that every player strives for and I congratulate Denny, Amal and Zayed for leading the way as the pioneers. I look forward to more of our players joining them in the coming season and donning the India colours.”
This development marks a significant milestone for FC Mangalore, a club steadily gaining a reputation as a breeding ground for young footballers. The national camp call-ups serve as both a reward and a motivation for the players, and a testament to the club’s grassroots efforts.
With India’s U-17 setup looking to build a strong squad for future international competitions, the inclusion of Khan, Haque, and Singh could be a stepping stone to even greater things on the international stage.
Reacting to the news, Biby Thomas, FC Mangalore’s Technical Director, expressed his pride and excitement:
“This is a moment of immense pride for our club. The boys have worked incredibly hard, and to see their talent recognized on the national stage is a huge achievement—not just for them, but for the entire FC Mangalore setup. We are committed to nurturing talent and contributing to Indian football’s future.”
As the camp gets underway, all eyes will be on these rising stars to see if they can take the next step and don the blue jersey in competitive fixtures.
