India Announces 23-Member Squad for AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
Indias U-17 team aims to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup with a 23-member squad for the upcoming qualifiers in Malaysia.
New Delhi, October 30 (Daily Kiran) : India’s U-17 men’s national football team has unveiled its 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, as announced by head coach Merajuddin Wadoo. The tournament will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 11 to 20.
The team aims to qualify for the continental tournament for the second consecutive time. India has been placed in Group E alongside host nation Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore, and Guam. The team’s qualifying campaign will kick off on November 11 against Singapore, followed by matches against Guam on November 14, Palestine on November 17, and Malaysia on November 20.
All group matches will be held at the MP Selayang Stadium. Only the group winner will advance to the final tournament, scheduled for May 12 to 29, 2027, in Uzbekistan. As part of their final preparations, the Indian team will play two international friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates in Ras Al Khaimah on November 1 and 4, both starting at 8:30 PM IST.
This squad will participate in the friendlies before heading directly to Kuala Lumpur on November 5 for the qualifiers. Earlier this month, the U-17 team played two friendlies in Thanlyin against Myanmar, drawing the first match 1-1 and winning the second 4-0. Following the Myanmar tour, the team continued its training camp in Goa before departing for the UAE on October 30. The squad consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and six forwards.
The Indian U-17 Team:
Goalkeepers: Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi, and Newton Irengbam.
Defenders: Jinesh Thoudam, Lomsangjuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawamtluanga, Salex Oinam, Maldino Singh Yumnaam, and Zoramdinthara.
Midfielders: Dallalamuon Gangte, Henthoiba Kizam, David Mangang Irom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, R Lomsangjuala, and Thiam Sambe.
Forwards: Hrishikesh Charan Manavthi, Kamgouhao Dongel, MD Sahir Ali, Raj Singh Wahangbam, Ristik Maitei, and Felix Maitei Saikhom.
India’s qualifying campaign against Singapore will begin at 6:30 PM IST, while matches against Guam and Palestine will start at 1:00 PM IST. The final group-stage match against Malaysia is scheduled for November 20 at 6:30 PM IST.
