Khalid Jamil Names 23-Member Squad for Crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Singapore

India men’s football team head coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier final round Group C match against Singapore, set to be played at the National Stadium in Singapore on October 9. The fixture marks a key moment in India’s qualifying campaign as the Blue Tigers aim to revive their hopes of making it to the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia.

The Indian squad has been in camp in Bengaluru since September 20, fine-tuning preparations for what will be a crucial double-header against Singapore. The return leg will be held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on October 14. Currently sitting at the bottom of Group C with one point from two matches, India faces a must-win situation to stay in contention for qualification. Singapore, meanwhile, leads the group with four points from as many games. Only the top team from each group will secure a spot at the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, head coach Khalid Jamil urged his players to stay grounded and focus on immediate challenges. “We are not looking at the overall picture at the moment. There are still four matches to go, and the next one against Singapore is the most important for us right now,” Jamil said. “We cannot look too far ahead – we must go one step at a time.”

The squad features a mix of experience and youthful energy, with stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan leading the lineup. Jamil has also named emerging talents such as Vikram Partap Singh and Muhammed Uvais, reflecting his intent to balance stability with fresh options.

While India will travel to Singapore with 23 players, Jamil has opted to keep two additional players on standby for the home leg. “Though we are travelling with 23 players, we are constantly monitoring the rest. For now, Hrithik Tiwari and Suhail Muhammed have been kept on standby for the two matches against Singapore,” the coach added.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Danish Farooq Bhat, Deepak Tangri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh Kumam.

Forwards: Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.

India will be eager to translate its intense preparation into a strong performance as it seeks a crucial away win to revive its Asian Cup qualification campaign.