Mahesh Gawali Names 23-Player India Squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India Under-20 men’s football team head coach Mahesh Gawali has announced a 23-player squad for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tashkent from August 31 to September 6.

The final squad was selected after assessing more than 100 players during trials that began in Bengaluru in June. Ahead of the tournament, the team played four friendly matches, securing two victories against Singapore (3-0 and 1-0), a 0-0 draw against Yemen, and a 1-0 win in the second match against the West Asian side.

From the 30-player squad previously named for the Singapore friendlies, eight players were released due to technical or injury-related reasons: Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshvir Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dallalmuon Gangte, Levis Zangminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H, and Yohaan Benjamin. Forward Daniyal Makakmayum was added to the final traveling group.

The Blue Colts are scheduled to arrive in Tashkent on Thursday afternoon. Placed in Group B, India will open their qualifying campaign against Syria on August 31 at 16:30 IST, face hosts Uzbekistan on September 3 at 19:30 IST, and conclude the group stage against Bangladesh on September 6 at 16:30 IST. Under the tournament format, the group winners and the seven best runners-up across all eight groups will qualify for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup China 2027.

The 23-member squad includes goalkeepers Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarraman, and Suraj Singh Aheibam. The defenders named are Asher Rebello, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, and Yaipharemba Chingakham.

The midfield lineup features Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei Laishram, Md Arbash, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Samson Ahongshangbam, and Shami Singamayum. The forward line consists of Daniyal Makakmayum, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hateem Ali, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, and Vishal Yadav.

Head coach Mahesh Gawali will be supported by assistant coach MG Ramachandran, goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi, and strength and conditioning coach Anugrah Suresh.