Hailing from Triplicane area in Chennai, Liyaakath was scouted by Chennaiyin FC at the age of 10 and has improved immensely since. He scored a whopping 23 goals in the U-13 Youth League last season, finishing as top scorer in the Chennai zone, which Chennaiyin FC won with a 100% record in their debut campaign.
In the final round that took place in Kolkata in April 2018, the Chennaiyin FC U-13s bowed out at the group stage after drawing one and losing two games. Liyaakath however was the bright spark as he scored the equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Bengaluru’s Roots Football School. He also impressed in attack in the subsequent losses to Sudeva FC and SAI Kolkata. Liyaakath also featured in the Chennaiyin FC U-15 squad that won the DBYC Fr. Mohanraj Memorial U-16 Tournament in August last year.
“Mohamed absolutely deserves this opportunity to represent the India U-16s. It is testament to the hard work he has put in, with the support of his parents who have backed him wholeheartedly from a very young age. I believe it has been their dream to see him represent India and it is pleasing to see it being fulfilled so soon in his career. All of us at CFC are really proud of Mohamed and happy to have contributed to this achievement. He should give his best in this tournament and aim higher in the coming months and years,” said the Chennaiyin FC first team Assistant Coach and Technical Director of Youth Development – Syed Sabir Pasha, who is also a former India international.