Bengaluru might have missed out on being one of the cities to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup next month, but the IT hub of the country could see the Indian colts in action ahead of the showpiece event.

As per AIFF sources, the Luis Norton de Matos-side is likely to play a friendly game against Mali in Bengaluru ahead of the World Cup. “The team is scheduled to play a few friendlies and one among them is against Mali. Though the venue is not finalised yet, Bengaluru is likely to host that game,” the source told Deccan Herald.

The under-17 football team has been undergoing a training camp here at the Sree Kanteerava stadium and the Bangalore Football stadium for the last three weeks. While the final team is yet to be announced, the core probables are fine-tuning their skills under the watchful eyes of head coach de Matos.

With the monsoon gathering pace across the country, the officials decided on Bengaluru as their venue for the camp as coach de Matos was keen on a place where the rain wouldn’t spoil the practice regime of the side. “We just wanted to avoid rain. The coach was certain about that,” the source said.

“And expect for the past few week or so when the rain has been heavy, the training has not been hit. Moreover we were happy with the facilities that the authorities here have provided us with.”

The final squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced on September 21.

Bengaluru likely to host U-17 friendly