Head coach Mahesh Gawali names India’s squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

**India U‑20 Men’s Team Announces Squad for AFC U‑20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers**

*New Delhi, 26 August 2026* – The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Thursday that head coach Mahesh Gawali has selected a 23‑player squad to represent India in the AFC U‑20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying tournament. The qualifiers will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 31 August to 6 September 2026.

The final roster was trimmed from an earlier 30‑player list announced ahead of a series of friendlies in Singapore. Eight players – Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshvir Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dallalmuon Gangte, Levis Zangminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H and Yohaan Benjamin – were omitted for technical or injury‑related reasons. Daniyal Makakmayum was added to the squad, according to the AIFF release.

**Squad composition**

*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

The coaching staff includes assistant coach MG Ramachandran, goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi, and strength and conditioning coach Anugrah Suresh.

**Recent preparation**

India’s U‑20 side played four friendly matches in early August, recording victories over Singapore (3‑0 and 1‑0), a goalless draw with Yemen, and a 1‑0 win in the second encounter with Yemen. More than 100 players were evaluated during trials that began in Bengaluru in June before the final squad was selected.

**Qualifier schedule**

The team will travel to Tashkent on Thursday afternoon. Their Group B fixtures are as follows (all times IST):

– **31 August** – vs. Syria, 16:30
– **3 September** – vs. Uzbekistan, 19:30
– **6 September** – vs. Bangladesh, 16:30

All matches will be staged at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent. The group winners and the seven best runners‑up across the eight groups will qualify for the AFC U‑20 Asian Cup 2027, which will be hosted by China.

The AIFF’s announcement was reported by ANI.

Article and image source: singaporestar.com