Goa’s Asher Rebello included in India U20 Asian Cup qualifiers
New Delhi: India U20 head coach Mahesh Gawali has finalised his 23-man squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, with the Blue Colts set to begin their Group B campaign in Tashkent on August 31.
Asher Rebello, who has emerged through FC Goa’s football system, is among the six defenders selected for the qualifiers. His inclusion gives Goa representation in the India U20 squad as the Blue Colts look to secure a place at next year’s continental finals.
More than 100 players were assessed during trials that began in Bengaluru in June before Gawali settled on his final squad. Daniyal Makakmayum has been added to the group, while eight players from the previously announced 30-member squad were left out due to technical or injury-related reasons. India head into the qualifiers with encouraging form, having won three of their four recent friendlies. They defeated Singapore 3-0 and 1-0, while also recording a 1-0 victory over Yemen after a goalless draw in the first meeting.
The Blue Colts open their campaign against Syria on August 31 at 4.30pm IST before taking on hosts Uzbekistan on September 3 at 7.30 p.m. They will round off the group stage against Bangladesh on September 6 at 4.30 p.m.
The group winners and the seven best runners-up from the eight qualifying groups will advance to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.
Goalkeepers Jaskaran Dub, Pranav S and Suraj Singh have been selected, while Goa’s Asher Rebello is among the defenders alongside Bungson Singh, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh, Sumit Sharma and Yaipharemba Chingakham.
The midfield group comprises Aniket Yadav, Danny Laishram, Md Arbash, Rishi Singh, Rishikanta Laishram, Samson A and Shami Singamayum. The forward line features Daniyal Makakmayum, Gunleiba, Hateem Ali, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh and Vishal Yadav.
