India U20 squad named for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Tashkent
Synopsis
India's Under-20 men's football side heads to Tashkent with a battle-tested 23-man squad, fresh off four pre-qualifier friendlies including two wins over Singapore. The Blue Colts face Syria, hosts Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh in Group B — with a runners-up finish potentially still enough to reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.
Key Takeaways
Head coach Mahesh Gawali named a 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Tashkent .
Eight players were released from the earlier 30-man pool; Daniyal Makakmayum was the sole addition.
Over 100 players were assessed since trials began in Bengaluru in June .
India won two friendlies against Singapore (3-0, 1-0) and beat Yemen 1-0 in pre-qualifier preparation.
Group B fixtures: Syria (31 Aug), Uzbekistan (3 Sep), Bangladesh (6 Sep) — all at Do'stlik Stadium, Tashkent .
Group winners and seven best runners-up across eight groups qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 .
Head coach Mahesh Gawali has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, with India's Blue Colts set to compete in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 31 August to 6 September 2025. The squad was trimmed from a 30-player group that featured in recent Singapore friendlies, with eight players released and one addition made.
Squad Selection and Changes
Eight players from the earlier 30-man pool were dropped on technical or injury grounds: Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshvir Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dallalmuon Gangte, Levis Zangminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H., and Yohaan Benjamin. Forward Daniyal Makakmayum was brought into the final squad as the sole addition.
The selection process was extensive — over 100 players were assessed since trials commenced in Bengaluru in June, underscoring the depth of the scouting effort ahead of a high-stakes qualifier campaign.
Promising Form in Pre-Qualifier Friendlies
Gawali's side arrived at the qualifiers on the back of an encouraging run in pre-tournament friendlies earlier this month. India defeated Singapore twice — 3-0 and 1-0 — drew 0-0 with Yemen, and secured a 1-0 win in the second fixture against the same West Asian opponents. The results suggest a settled defensive structure and improving clinical edge up front.
India's Group B Schedule at Do'stlik Stadium
The Blue Colts will touch down in Tashkent on Thursday afternoon. They open their Group B campaign against Syria on 31 August at 16:30 IST, before facing hosts Uzbekistan on 3 September at 19:30 IST — the most demanding fixture of the group. They conclude against Bangladesh on 6 September at 16:30 IST. All matches will be played at the Do'stlik Stadium, Tashkent.
Qualification Pathway
Across all eight groups, the group winners and the seven best runners-up will advance to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027. This format gives India a realistic route through even as runners-up, provided results across other groups remain favourable. Notably, finishing second to hosts Uzbekistan — a strong side on home turf — could still keep India's tournament hopes alive.
Full 23-Player 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.
Head coach: Mahesh Gawali | Assistant coach: MG Ramachandran.
India's first test against Syria on 31 August will set the tone — a win could ease pressure heading into the home-crowd challenge of facing Uzbekistan three days later.
Point of View
But also raises questions about whether the national scouting net is wide enough. The four-match friendly run, with two clean-sheet wins over Singapore and a draw against Yemen, suggests defensive solidity but limited attacking variety against organised defences. The Uzbekistan fixture on home soil is the real qualifier within the qualifier — how India manage that game will reveal whether this generation has the tactical maturity to compete with Asia's stronger youth sides.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been named in India's U20 squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
Head coach Mahesh Gawali named a 23-player squad comprising three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusion is Daniyal Makakmayum, who was added after the Singapore friendlies, while eight players including Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS and Arshvir Singh were released.
Where and when are the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers being held?
The qualifiers are being held at the Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 31 August to 6 September 2025. India are placed in Group B alongside Syria, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.
What is India's match schedule in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
India face Syria on 31 August at 16:30 IST, hosts Uzbekistan on 3 September at 19:30 IST, and Bangladesh on 6 September at 16:30 IST — all at Do'stlik Stadium, Tashkent.
How does a team qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027?
The group winners and the seven best runners-up across all eight qualifying groups advance to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027. This means India can qualify even as runners-up, depending on results across other groups.
How did India perform in their pre-qualifier friendlies?
India played four friendlies earlier in August, defeating Singapore 3-0 and 1-0, drawing 0-0 with Yemen, and winning the second match against Yemen 1-0. The results gave the squad competitive preparation ahead of the Tashkent qualifiers.
