As the FIFA U-17 World Cup gets closer to its commencement, the football fever is kicking in at the host nation. On 20th September midnight, the Colombian U-17 side landed in India and they were the first contingent to arrive for the blockbuster event.
The side led by coach Orlando Restrepo has arranged a practice match with I-League outfit Minerva Punjab's youth side ahead of the World Cup, Goal can confirm. The Ranjit Bajaj-owned franchise will field either its U-18 or U-20 team against Los Cafeteros. The fixture will be played on 27th September at the Heritage College Academy in New Delhi and is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm IST.
Colombia are placed in Group A with hosts India, USA and Ghana. The 2017 edition of the U-17 World Cup will kick start with Colombia's tie against Ghana on October 6th at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi at 5 pm IST.
Known for their ball possession, quick touches and aerial prowess of defence; gaffer Restrepo's yellow army booked a berth in the FIFA U-17 World Cup following their third-place finish in the South American Under-17 Football Championship this year.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup in India will be Colombia's sixth appearance at the mega event. It will be their first since Nigeria 2009, where they managed a third-place finish. Apart from the World Cup, Colombia were crowned winners of 1993 Under-17 South American championship.
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