India U-17 begin AFC U-17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 qualifying campaign in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 11
The India U-17 men’s team will begin their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers Group E campaign against Singapore on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 18:30 IST.
The Blue Colts are aiming to secure back-to-back AFC U-17 Asian Cup appearances and qualify for the tournament for the 11th time in their history, with the opening match streamed live on the FAMTV Malaysia YouTube Channel. Group E also includes hosts Malaysia, Palestine and Guam, and only the group winners will progress to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027, scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan from May 12 to 29, 2027. Among the five teams in Group E, India are the only side to have qualified for the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup; the Blue Colts bowed out of that tournament at the group stage after defeats to Australia and Uzbekistan.
The squad arrives in the qualifiers following a preparation phase under newly-appointed head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo. The team began a preparatory camp in Goa in September where over 100 players were assessed during a month-long selection process before a final 23-member squad was named. Wadoo’s side travelled to Myanmar in early October and played two friendlies there, drawing 1-1 in the first fixture before claiming a 4-0 victory in the second. Assessing that period, Wadoo said, “Playing friendly matches before a tournament is always important, and the experience was valuable for us. The boys have shown good progress, and I am happy with the way the team is developing.”
India completed further tune-up games in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, recording a goalless draw before a 4-1 win in the second friendly. Reflecting on those matches, Wadoo said, “Compared to our previous opponents, UAE were a much tougher challenge. However, the boys showed great character, determination and fighting spirit to secure a positive result. This performance gives us a huge confidence boost as we prepare for the qualifiers.”
The Blue Colts arrived in Kuala Lumpur on November 5 and have been preparing for their opener against Singapore, who began the group with a 6-0 win over Guam. In another Group E fixture, Palestine defeated Malaysia 2-0. Wadoo commented on the opposition and his team’s approach: “We saw Singapore against Guam. They are a strong side. But our focus will remain on executing our own game play on the pitch. If we play to our strengths, things will be in our control, and the result will be positive.” He also stressed the psychological aspect, saying, “At this level, talent and hard work alone are not enough. Players must believe in themselves, trust the process and have confidence in the work they are putting in every day. Mental strength and self-belief can make a huge difference when representing your country.”
For Wadoo, the Qualifiers represent his first campaign as head coach after having represented India as a player. On leading the team he said, “Having represented India as a player, getting the opportunity to serve the country as a coach is a tremendous honour and privilege. I am proud and happy to lead this group of young players. We have worked hard, and our focus is clear. We want to give our best, compete with confidence and achieve our ultimate target: qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.”
After the opener with Singapore, India’s remaining Group E fixtures are against Guam on November 14, Palestine on November 17 and hosts Malaysia on November 20.
