India U17 to open AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying against Singapore in Kuala Lumpur
The India U17 team will begin their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign against Singapore at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Malaysia on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. The fixture serves as India’s opening match in Group E of the qualifiers.
Touchdown, Malaysia. 🇲🇾🇮🇳The #BlueColts have arrived ahead of the #AFCU17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers. ✈️📸: FAM#AsiaDream #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/LbqbrHrnOz
India enter the qualifiers seeking to secure a second consecutive AFC U17 Asian Cup appearance and to demonstrate progression at youth level. The Young Colts arrive on a four-game unbeaten run and have not lost a match since the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup. Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s side will be expected to reserve their best for the qualifiers, with the coach needing his team to maintain a compact defensive shape and to produce inventive attacking play.
Singapore come into the clash on the back of a 6-0 victory over Guam U17, a result that boosted their confidence ahead of the meeting with India. The Singapore players are likely to respect India’s attacking threats while attempting to impose fast-paced attacking football themselves. Another big win for Singapore would strengthen their position in the group, while a defeat could disrupt the momentum from their recent result.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers, and Singapore U17 should have the same squad as they did in their recent clash against Guam U17. This match will mark the first-ever match between India U17 and Singapore U17 in a competitive bout. Maroof Shafi (GK), Lawmsangzuala, Doramdinthara, Malsawmtluanga, Malem Laishram, Mukundo Singh, R. Lawmsangzuala, Dallalmuon Gangte, Kamgouhao Doungel, Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Ristik Maity Ilhan Rezal (GK), Caden Preira, Leo Caleb, Tyler Tan, Joel Zong, Lura Mika, Ahmed Farid, Arfan Khafiz, Lai Lum, Issac Tian Zhi, Aidan Irfan
Dallalmuon Gangte is described as one of the most experienced players in the India U17 set-up, having featured in qualifiers and in the AFC U17 Asian Cup for his national side. The 16-year-old NorthEast United midfielder has already made well over 15 appearances for India U17 and has scored 12 goals in that period. The coverage notes he must use his link-up play to move India into danger zones and be decisive with final-third passes and crosses while looking to get into goal-scoring positions.
As Singapore U17 captain, Aidan Irfan carries responsibility to lead his side at this stage; the 16-year-old is currently developing in Spain at Club Madrid City and scored in the recent win over Guam. The preview states Irfan will look to use his pace and off-the-ball movement to penetrate defenses and must be clinical in finishing chances to increase Singapore’s chances of another strong result.
India are placed in Group E of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers alongside Singapore, Palestine, Malaysia & Guam. The Singapore vs India clash will kick off at 6:30 PM IST on 11 November at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, and the game is most likely to be streamed live on YouTube.