Beyond Results: Bibiano Fernandes Hails India U-15’s Growth, Grit and Learning Curve
India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes believes the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 is proving to be more than a test of results, with the tournament giving the young Blue Colts an important platform to learn, compete and develop.
Xtratime Webdesk: India U-15 head coach Bibiano Fernandes believes the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 is proving to be more than a test of results, with the tournament giving the young Blue Colts an important platform to learn, compete and develop.
India finished third in Group K with 10 points from five matches, recording three wins, one draw and one defeat. Their campaign included victories over Laos, Cameroon and Bahrain, a 3-3 draw against Grenada and a 1-6 loss to Senegal.
For Fernandes, the performances have offered plenty of encouragement. India showed defensive discipline in their 2-1 win over Cameroon, while their response against Bahrain was another example of their fighting spirit. After Bahrain levelled the scores, India struck twice in the 38th and 39th minutes through R Lalremruatfela and Nibas Meetei Wahengbam to secure a 4-3 victory.
The 3-3 draw with Grenada, however, exposed an area that needs attention. India had established a 3-0 advantage but conceded three goals in just six minutes. Fernandes believes such experiences are part of the learning process at this level.
The Blue Colts have also displayed encouraging attacking qualities, with one-touch combinations, wing play, individual dribbling and clever passing creating opportunities. R Lalremruatfela and Macdonnish Ngairangbam were particularly influential, combining for eight goals during the group stage.
Fernandes, though, has stressed that their contribution reflects the work of the entire team rather than individual brilliance alone.
India's final defeat to Senegal provided another lesson, with Fernandes acknowledging Senegal's greater footballing development. Rather than dwelling on the result, he wants his players to take the positives forward.
India now move into Tier C, which covers positions 65 to 96, with Honduras awaiting them in the Round of 32 on October 28 at 1 PM IST. Fernandes' target is clear: learn from the opening phase, improve further and use every remaining game to strengthen the team's development.
