Jamshedpur FC

Guwahati, April 24: Jamshedpur FC U-17 will start their campaign in the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League, facing Mumbai City FC in the Group ‘D’ Playoff match at Guwahati on April 25 at 4:30 PM.

With only one team assured a place in the final stage of the competition from the playoff stage groups, the battle will be a crucial encounter for Jamshedpur FC, who entered the playoff after finishing second in the group stage.

The team had a fantastic run in the group stage, finishing as runners-up to AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy, falling short by just one point. They had a superb start, winning all five of their opening matches.

However, as the starting XI players travelled for the Reliance Foundation Zonal Group Championship in Shillong, JFC U-17 were forced to play with a depleted squad but still managed to secure second position in the highly competitive group. Out of the 10 matches JFC played, they lost only two.

Mumbai City FC U-17 also come into the playoffs with a strong record in their group stage, finishing as runners-up, just two points shy of the winners, Reliance Foundation Young Champs. Of the 10 matches played, they lost one and drew one.

Jamshedpur FC U-17's head coach, Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, remains confident in his team’s preparations. “We’ve focused on staying composed and executing our game plan effectively. It’s important that the boys play with confidence and focus,” he said.