Wadoo selects 23-player India U-17 squad for AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur

Mehrajuddin Wadoo, head coach of the India U-17 men’s national team, has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, scheduled from November 11 to 20, 2026. The Blue Colts will open their campaign against Singapore on November 11.

India have been drawn in Group E with hosts Malaysia, Palestine, Singapore and Guam, and only the group winners will qualify for the final tournament in Uzbekistan from May 12 to 29, 2027. The selected squad will also play two international friendlies against the United Arab Emirates on November 1 and 4 in Ras Al Khaimah as part of preparations for the qualifiers.

Match times for India’s group games are: 18:30 IST on November 11 against Singapore, 13:00 IST on November 14 against Guam, 13:00 IST on November 17 against Palestine and 18:30 IST on November 20 against Malaysia. All four qualifiers fixtures will be staged at MP Selayang Stadium, Selayang, Malaysia.

India will play the UAE in friendlies at 20:30 IST on November 1 at Emirates Football Club Stadium, Ras Al Khaimah, and at 20:30 IST on November 4 at Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Stadium, Ras Al Khaimah. The team travelled to the United Arab Emirates on October 30 and, following the second friendly, will proceed directly to Kuala Lumpur on November 5.

Earlier this month the Blue Colts played two friendlies against Myanmar in Thanlyin, drawing the first match 1-1 before winning the second 4-0. After the Myanmar tour the squad continued preparations with a training camp in Goa.

The 23-player list comprises three goalkeepers: Arnav Pandhare, Maroof Shafi and Newtan Irengbam. Defenders named are Jinesh Thoudam, Lawmsangzuala, Leo Thongbam, Malem Laishram, Malsawmtluanga, Sailex Oinam, Maldino Singh Yumnam and Zoramdinthara. Midfielders included are Dallalmuon Gangte, Henthoiba Keisam, David Mangang Irom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, R Lawmsangzuala and Thiyam Sambay, while the forwards are Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi, Kamgouhao Doungel, Md Sahir Ali, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Ristik Maity and Felix Meitei Saikhom.

India’s next confirmed fixture is the Group E opener against Singapore at MP Selayang Stadium on November 11; only the top team from each qualifying group will advance to the Uzbekistan finals set for May 12–29, 2027.