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

India's U20 men's football team head coach, Mahesh Gawali, has announced the 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. The squad was selected after assessing over 100 players during trials that began in Bengaluru in June.

The team also played four friendly matches earlier this month as part of its preparations, winning twice against Singapore and recording victories over Yemen and Singapore, along with a goalless draw against Yemen.

Eight players from the previously announced 30-member squad were released due to technical or injury-related reasons. Daniyal Makakmayum has joined the squad, replacing one of the released players.

The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers will be held in Tashkent from August 31 to September 6. India will face Syria in its opening match on August 31, followed by matches against Uzbekistan on September 3 and Bangladesh on September 6.

To secure a place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027, India will need to finish at the top of its group or be among the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups.

The squad includes goalkeepers Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarraman, and Suraj Singh Aheibam, defenders Asher Rebello, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, and Karish Soram, midfielders Aniket Yadav, Danny Meitei Laishram, and Md Arbash, and forwards Daniyal Makakmayum, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, and Hateem Ali.

Mahesh Gawali will be assisted by MG Ramachandran, Parshuram Salwadi, and Anugrah Suresh as part of the coaching staff.

The Indian team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining its chances of participating in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.

The AFC U20 Asian Cup is a prestigious tournament that provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and compete against the best teams in Asia.

India's participation in the tournament will be a significant opportunity for the team to gain experience and exposure, which can help in its development and growth.

The team's schedule for the qualifiers includes matches against strong opponents, and its performance will be closely watched by football fans in India.

In conclusion, the Indian U20 men's football team has a challenging task ahead, but with a strong squad and experienced coaching staff, it has the potential to perform well in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.