The head coach of India’s U-20 men’s team, Mahesh Gawli, has announced a squad of 23 players for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in China, set to take place in Tashkent from August 31 to September 6.
Prior to friendly matches against Singapore, eight players were dropped from an initial squad of 30 due to technical reasons or injuries. The players excluded are Suhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshveer Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dalalamuan Gangte, Lewis Jungminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H., and Yohan Benjamin. Daniel Makakmayum has been included in the final squad.
Since trials began in June in Bengaluru, over 100 players were assessed before finalizing the 23-member team. Gawli’s squad played four friendly matches earlier this month, winning against Singapore twice (3-0 and 1-0), drawing 0-0 with Yemen, and securing a 1-0 victory against a West Asian team.
The Indian team will arrive in Tashkent on Thursday afternoon. They will face Syria on August 31, followed by a match against the host nation Uzbekistan on September 3. The final group stage match will be against Bangladesh on September 6. The eight group winners and the seven best second-placed teams will qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 in China.
Here is the 23-member squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundaraman, Suraj Singh Aheibam.
Defenders: Ashar Rebello, Bungsan Singh Thakhelambam, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Yaifaremba Chingkham.
Midfielders: Aniket Yadav, Danny Maitei Laishram, MD Arabash, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Rishikant Maitei Laishram, Samson Ahongshangbam, Shami Singamayum.
Forwards: Daniel Makakmayum, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hatim Ali, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohan Singh Chafamayum, Vishal Yadav.
Head Coach: Mahesh Gawli
Assistant Coach: MG Ramachandran
India’s Schedule for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers:
– India vs Syria – August 31 – 16:30
– India vs Uzbekistan – September 3 – 19:30
– India vs Bangladesh – September 6 – 16:30
Venue: Dostlik Stadium, Tashkent