Khalid Jamil Unveils 23-Member Squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Indian Football Team Prepares for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Indian Football Update: Khalid Jamil, the head coach of the Indian senior men's national football team, has announced a squad of 23 players for their upcoming match against Hong Kong, China, in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers. The Blue Tigers will commence their training camp in Kochi on March 24, starting with 20 players and the coaching staff. Notably, defender Anwar Ali, midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and forward Edmund Lalrindika, who recently played for their respective clubs in the Indian Super League, will join the team later on Tuesday.

With India's chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup already dashed, this match is seen as a crucial opportunity for future preparations. Coach Jamil emphasized the importance of this match, stating, “This is a good opportunity for us to build for the future. We have many talented players emerging from the U20 and U23 national teams, currently competing in the SAFF U20 Championship in the Maldives and the U23 Tri-Nation in Arunachal Pradesh. Our assistant coach, Mahesh, is leading the U20 squad, which will help integrate them into our senior team system.”

Squad Details:

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams.

Head Coach: Khalid Jamil