Ishfaq Ahmed is optimistic that the under-17 Indian team will obtain the opportunity to take part in at least one preparatory match abroad before the Blue Colts start their campaign in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers in Thailand, starting from 23rd October. 

Ishfaq has already proposed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to organize a preparatory match before the competition. 

Speaking from Srinagar over the phone, Ishfaq under whose guidance the Indian Under-17 team clinched the SAFF under-17 football championship title in Bhutan for the second consecutive time, said, "The AIFF had already organized a preparatory match for the team before SAFF. We went to Indonesia to take part in two preparatory matches which helped the boys a lot. I am hopeful that the AIFF will initiate another preparatory match for the boys before Asian Cup qualifiers as this is more competitive.” 

India is grouped with host Thailand, Turkmenistan, and Brunei Darussalam in the first hurdle of the Asian Cup qualifiers, and according to Ishfaq, all three teams in their group are tough. 

The Blue Colts even did not have the opportunity to celebrate their SAFF championship title. After returning to Srinagar from Bhutan the boys have resumed training. 

When asked about the boys’ performance and his further expectations Ishfaq explained, “The boys are very potential. They need to go through intensive training programs and play competitive matches to gain maturity.”

He concluded saying, "Especially, we need to concentrate on attacking and defending set-pieces, and pay attention to counter-attacks and finishing also. We created opportunities, and scored goals but the boys need to be more clinical in the goalmouth." 

Significantly, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has made an announcement that Telangana Government will adopt India Under-17 men’s national football team and provide all support to it. It is believed personally he is energetic about the development of country's football, especially he is sincere to bring back Hyderabad's football glory.