The FIFA U-17 World Cup is upon us and the boys are gearing up for the biggest tournament of their life, but before they face off big footballing nations, the AIFF is planning to make the team play at least two friendlies in Goa.

However, the teams are yet to be finalized as All India Football Federation are still contemplating on various factors that are associated while arranging an international friendly. The shortlisted side is Malaysia, Singapore and African giants Mali and South Africa.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das: “We are trying to organise two friendlies in Goa but we have not confirmed the opposition. We should have a clearer picture in the next couple of days. We want to have either Malaysia or Singapore for the first friendly while we are trying to get African opponents for the second friendly.”

According to reports, AIFF is more inclined towards having Singapore as India’s opponents for the first friendly as the boys have already played Malaysia in the AIFF Youth Cup last year and Federation prefers newer opponents. But chances of hosting Singapore looks bleak as they clubs are refusing to release their players.

While the second opponent, in all probability, will be against South Africa but even that is subjected to the AIFF agreeing to their condition of paying for everything, including flight tickets.

India will start their World Cup campaign next month against the United States in New Delhi.