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India's Blue Tigers Final Squad for Hong Kong Asian Cup Qualifier Announced

Indian men's national team head coach Khalid Jamil has selected a 23-player squad for the final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong. The match, scheduled for March 31 in Kochi, is a preparatory fixture as India has already been eliminated from qualification. Jamil emphasized the game as a chance to build for the future and integrate promising youth. Several players from recent ISL action will join the national camp later.

Key Points: India Squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs Hong Kong Announced

  • 23-member squad named
  • Match on March 31 in Kochi
  • India already out of qualification
  • Focus on future team building
2 min read

Blue Tigers head coach Khalid Jamil names 23-member squad for Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong

Head coach Khalid Jamil names 23-man India squad for final Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong. Match details and full player list inside.

"This is a good opportunity for us to build for the future. - Khalid Jamil"

New Delhi, March 24

Indian senior men's national team head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 23-member squad for the last match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Hong Kong, to be held on March 31.

The Blue Tigers began their camp in Kochi on Tuesday, where 20 players, along with the staff, have assembled, according to a release. Defender Anwar Ali, midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, and forward Edmund Lalrindika, who played their last Indian Super League 2025-26 match against Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 23, will join the squad later on Tuesday.

With India already ruled out of qualification for the Asian Cup, the match serves as preparation for the future. India head coach Khalid Jamil said, "This is a good opportunity for us to build for the future. We have a lot of promising players coming through, who are currently with the U20 and U23 national teams, playing in the SAFF U20 Championship in the Maldives, and the U23 Tri-Nation in Arunachal Pradesh. Our assistant coach Mahesh, is himself leading the U20s, which will help us familiarise them with the system we have in place here with the senior team."

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.

Head coach: Khalid Jamil

Match information:

India vs Hong Kong (AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round)

March 31, 2026, at 19:00 IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the long-term vision, I respectfully disagree with the timing. We should have used these qualifiers to give our absolute best, not just as "preparation." It sends the wrong message to fans who pay for tickets and watch with hope. The passion should be there every match.
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Sarah B
The squad looks balanced. Strong to see Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet still leading from the back. Hoping the young midfielders like Sahal and Jeakson can control the game. All the best, Blue Tigers! Win for pride at least.
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Aman W
Kochi is a fantastic venue, great football atmosphere! Wish I could be there. Hope the team puts on a good show. Need to see more goals from our forwards - Chhangte and Manvir, time to shine! 🔥
K
Karthik V
The integration plan with U20/U23 teams is smart thinking. If Mahesh is coaching the juniors with the same system, the transition to senior team will be smoother. Long overdue, this systemic approach. Good move, Khalid sir.
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Nikhil C
Match is at 7 PM IST, perfect timing for a family watch. Already set a reminder. Let's fill the stadium and show our support. Hong Kong is not an easy team, but we should aim for a convincing win. Jai Hind!

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