Indian U‑20 team set to face Syria, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh in Tashkent

New Delhi – The Indian under‑20 football side will commence its AFC Asian Cup China 2027 qualifying campaign in Tashkent on 31 August. Coach Mahesh Gavli’s 23‑player squad will open the group stage against Syria at 16:30, then meet the host nation Uzbekistan at 19:30 on the same day. The final round‑robin fixture will be against Bangladesh on 6 September at 16:30.

The group fixtures are being played at the Dostlik Stadium, where eight group winners and the seven best runners‑up will earn places in the main AFC U‑20 Asian Cup in China. India’s preparation has included four friendlies: two wins over Singapore (3‑0, 1‑0), a 0‑0 stalemate with Yemen and a 1‑0 victory over a West Asian side.

The squad, announced after a rigorous selection process, comprises three goalkeepers – Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarmman and Suraj Singh Ahimbam – six defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are forwards Daniel Makamoyum and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, while eight players were omitted for technical or injury reasons.

The coaching crew, headed by Mahesh Gavli with assistant MG Ramachandran, will look to translate the friendly‑match momentum into qualifying points and secure a place in the 2027 tournament.

Full player list: Goalkeepers – Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarmman, Suraj Singh Ahimbam. Defenders – Ashar Rebolo, Bungson Singh Takhelmam, Karish Sorm, MaleMangamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharyam, Yaifaremba Chingkhm. Midfielders – Aniket Yadav, Danny Mathi Lashram, MD Arbash, Rishi Singh Ningthaukongjam, Rishikant Mathi Lashram, Samson Ahongshangbam, Shami Singamuyam. Forwards – Daniel Makamoyum, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hatim Ali, Omand Dodum, Prashan Jazo, Rohan Singh Chafamoyam, Vishal Yadav.