India Under-20 men’s football team head coach Mahesh Gawali has named a 23-member squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Tashkent from August 31 to September 6.
The final squad comes after an extensive selection process in which more than 100 players were assessed. Trials began in Bengaluru in June as the coaching staff worked to identify the players who would represent India in the continental qualifiers.
Eight players from the previous 30-member squad assembled for friendly matches in Singapore have been released for technical or injury-related reasons. Daniyal Makakmayum has been brought into the squad.
India head into the qualifiers after a positive run of preparation matches. Gawali’s side played four friendlies earlier this month and remained unbeaten, registering three victories and one draw.
India defeated Singapore 3-0 and 1-0 in two matches. They also played twice against Yemen, drawing the first game 0-0 before recording a 1-0 victory in the second encounter.
India will begin their qualifying campaign against Syria on August 31 at 4:30 p.m. IST. They will then face hosts Uzbekistan on September 3 at 7:30 p.m. IST before completing their fixtures against Bangladesh on September 6 at 4:30 p.m. IST.
The stakes will be high in Tashkent, with the winners of all eight qualifying groups securing places at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China 2027. The seven best runners-up will also qualify.
India U-20 squad
Goalkeepers: Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarraman, Suraj Singh Aheibam.
Defenders: Asher Rebello, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Yaipharemba Chingakham.
Midfielders: Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei Laishram, Md Arbash, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Samson Ahongshangbam, Shami Singamayum.
Forwards: Daniyal Makakmayum, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hateem Ali, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Vishal Yadav.
Gawali will be assisted by MG Ramachandran, with Parshuram Salwadi serving as goalkeeping coach and Anugrah Suresh as strength and conditioning coach.
