India Name 23-Member Squad for Asian Cup Qualifier Clash Against Hong Kong

Ray Sportz Web Desk: India’s senior men’s national football team, popularly known as the Blue Tigers, have announced a 23-member squad for their upcoming AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match against Hong Kong, China, scheduled for March 31 in Kochi.
Head coach Khalid Jamil has selected a balanced squad comprising experienced players and promising young talents as the team looks to rebuild after being ruled out of qualification for the continental tournament.
The national camp commenced on Tuesday in Kochi, with 20 players reporting initially. Defender Anwar Ali, midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and forward Edmund Lalrindika are expected to join the squad later, following their Indian Super League commitments.
Speaking about the squad selection, Jamil emphasized the importance of long-term planning. He stated that the match presents an opportunity to integrate emerging players from the U20 and U23 setups into the senior team framework. Several young prospects are currently participating in international youth competitions, including the SAFF U20 Championship and the U23 Tri-Nation tournament.
The squad features experienced names such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, along with attacking options like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, and Manvir Singh.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams
The match will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on March 31, kicking off at 7:00 PM IST.
Although India are no longer in contention for qualification, the fixture is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future as preparations begin for upcoming international competitions.