India Names 23-Member Squad for U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India’s U17 football team is set to compete in the 2026 AFC Under-17 Men’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, starting Saturday at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes named a 23-member squad to take part in the qualifiers, which will determine which team moves on to the final tournament in Saudi Arabia next year. The final tournament will also serve as a qualification path for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

India is grouped with four other nations in the qualifiers. Their first match will be against Palestine on November 22, followed by games against Chinese Taipei on November 26, Lebanon on November 28, and Iran on November 30. Only the group winner will advance to the final tournament, making each match critical for India’s chances.

The squad includes a mix of talented goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The goalkeepers selected are Manashjyoti Baruah, Maroof Shafi, and Rajrup Sarkar, all ready to provide strong defensive coverage for the team.

Defenders chosen to protect India’s backline include Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Ankur Rajbagh, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, and Shubham Poonia. These players bring both experience and agility, which will be key in stopping opponents from scoring.

In midfield, India has a talented group ready to control the game and create scoring opportunities. The midfielders selected are Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom, and Thonggoumong Touthang. They are expected to provide strong support to both the attack and the defense, helping India maintain balance on the field.

The Indian coaching staff is confident in the squad’s ability to perform under pressure and aims to use the tournament to develop young players who could be future stars for Indian football. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes highlighted the importance of teamwork, discipline, and strategy, noting that every player in the 23-member squad has been selected based on performance, fitness, and potential.

This tournament also provides a significant opportunity for India to showcase its young talent on an international stage. It allows players to gain exposure to different playing styles and strategies from other countries. The qualifiers are expected to be competitive, with each team fighting hard to secure a spot in Saudi Arabia for the final tournament.

The AFC U17 Qualifiers are part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its youth football programs and prepare the next generation for global competitions. Players selected in the squad are motivated and have been training rigorously to ensure they give their best performance during the qualifiers.

Fans can expect exciting matches with India aiming to advance to the next stage and make a mark in the Asian football scene. The team’s preparation, combined with the talent and dedication of the young players, gives India a good chance to compete strongly against its group rivals.