India U20 Name 23-Member Squad for Crucial AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
India U20 head coach Mahesh Gawali has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Tashkent, starting August 31.
India U20 men’s team head coach Mahesh Gawali has finalised his 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, with the Blue Colts set to begin their campaign in Tashkent on August 31.
India has been drawn in Group B alongside Syria, hosts Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, with qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup at stake. The group winners, along with the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups, will advance to the final tournament in China.
For Gawali and his coaching staff, the final squad selection comes after months of assessment and preparation. More than 100 players have been evaluated since trials began in Bengaluru in June, with the coaching team gradually narrowing the pool before arriving at the final 23. The qualifiers will provide a major test for a group that has shown encouraging signs during its recent international preparation.
The final squad has undergone several changes since the 30-player group was announced ahead of the Singapore friendlies. Eight players, Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshvir Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dallalmuon Gangte, Levis Zangminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H and Yohaan Benjamin, were released due to technical or injury-related considerations.
Meanwhile, Daniyal Makakmayum has been added to the final group and has earned his place among the 23 players travelling to Tashkent. The selection process reflects the level of competition within the current U20 setup. With more than 100 players assessed over the last few months, every position in the squad has been contested.
For Gawali, the challenge has been to identify a balanced group capable of handling three demanding matches in a short period while also adapting to different tactical challenges.
The final squad features three goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards, providing the coaching staff with options across every department.
India will travel to Uzbekistan with confidence following a strong set of friendly results earlier this month. The Blue Colts played four international matches, winning three and drawing one while remaining unbeaten. India began by defeating Singapore 3-0 before securing a second victory over the same opponents by a narrower 1-0 margin. The team then faced Yemen in two matches, drawing the first 0-0 before winning the second 1-0.
The results were significant not only because of the unbeaten record but also because of the team’s defensive discipline. Across four matches, India did not concede a single goal. The 3-0 victory over Singapore demonstrated the team’s attacking potential, while the subsequent 1-0 wins showed that the side could also manage tight contests and protect a narrow lead.
The two matches against Yemen provided a different challenge, with India first being held to a goalless draw before responding with a 1-0 victory.
For a young team heading into a major qualifying campaign, the ability to adapt and find results in different match situations could prove crucial.
A challenging Group B awaits
India’s qualifying campaign begins against Syria on August 31 at 16:30 IST. The opening match will be particularly important, as a positive result could provide early momentum heading into the group’s toughest fixture against hosts Uzbekistan. India will face Uzbekistan on September 3 at 19:30 IST. Playing the host nation in Tashkent will present a major challenge, with home support likely to add another dimension to an already demanding contest.
The Blue Colts will conclude their Group B campaign against Bangladesh on September 6 at 16:30 IST. With only the eight group winners guaranteed qualification, every match will carry considerable importance. The seven best runners-up across all groups will also qualify, meaning goal difference and overall results could become decisive.
India will therefore need to approach every fixture with a clear understanding that qualification could be determined by fine margins. The venue for all three matches will be the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, where India will look to convert their strong preparation into a successful qualifying campaign.
For India’s young footballers, the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers represent an important step in their development. International youth tournaments provide players with the opportunity to test themselves against different styles, tactical systems and physical challenges. For many members of the current squad, this will be their biggest opportunity to make an impression in the national team pathway.
Gawali’s final 23 now have the responsibility of carrying India’s campaign forward. The recent friendly results suggest the team has developed a strong defensive base, but the qualifiers will demand more. India must combine that defensive stability with greater efficiency in attack, particularly in matches where opportunities could be limited.
The presence of seven forwards in the squad gives Gawali multiple options in the final third, while the midfield group will be crucial in controlling games and managing transitions.
India has completed the selection process. The preparation matches are also behind them. Now comes the real test.
A successful campaign in Tashkent would see the Blue Colts qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 and provide another important platform for the next generation of Indian football. With an unbeaten run in their final four friendlies and a squad selected after months of assessment, India will arrive in Tashkent ready to take on Syria, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh.
The road to China begins on August 31.
India’s 23-Player Squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers
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
Head Coach: Mahesh Gawali
Assistant Coach: MG Ramachandran
Goalkeeping Coach: Parshuram Salwadi
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Anugrah Suresh
India’s Schedule
August 31, 16:30 IST: Syria vs India
September 3, 19:30 IST: India vs Uzbekistan
September 6, 16:30 IST: India vs Bangladesh
Venue: Do’stlik Stadium, Tashkent
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