Mehrajuddin Wadoo Names 23-Member India Squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U17 head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 11 to 20, 2026. The Blue Colts will aim to qualify for back-to-back Asian Cups.

India have been placed in Group E alongside hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam. Only the group winners will qualify for the final tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan from May 12 to 29, 2027. India will begin their campaign against Singapore on November 11, before facing Guam on November 14, Palestine on November 17 and Malaysia on November 20.

The same squad will also feature in two international friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates on November 1 and 4 in Ras Al Khaimah, as part of their final preparations for the qualifiers. After the second friendly against the UAE, the Indian team will travel directly to Kuala Lumpur on November 5 ahead of the qualifiers.

The Blue Colts played two friendly matches against Myanmar in Thanlyin earlier this month, drawing the first 1-1 before winning the second 4-0. Following the Myanmar tour, the team continued its preparatory camp in Goa and travelled to the UAE on October 30.

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards. Goalkeepers: Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi and Newtan Irengbam. Defenders: Jinesh Thoudam, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Sailex Oinam, Maldino Singh Yumnam and Zoramdinthara. Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Henthoiba Keisam, David Mangang Irom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, R Lawmsangzuala and Thiyam Sambay. Forwards: Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Md Sahir Ali, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Ristik Maity and Felix Meitei Saikhom.

India's qualifying campaign will begin at 6:30 PM IST against Singapore, while the matches against Guam and Palestine will start at 1 PM IST. The final group-stage fixture against Malaysia is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST on November 20. Both friendlies against the UAE are scheduled to kick off at 8:30 PM IST at Emirates Football Club Stadium and Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah.

India U17 squad for AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers

India U17 fixtures at AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers

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Sources

• Khel Now

• the-aiff.com

• Photo: pixel2013, Pixabay Content License (Pixabay)