Three Indian youngsters to watch out for in AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
India will begin their AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign against Syria.
The India U-20 men’s national football team gear up for a tough challenge as they are all set to play Syria, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 China Qualifiers. The Blue Colts are placed in Group B and will play all of their qualifier matches at the Do’stlik Stadium, Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
The Blue Colts will start their campaign against Syria on 31st August at 4:30 pm IST followed by a tough test against the hosts Uzbekistan on 3rd September at 7:30 pm IST.
India will play their last Group stage match against Bangladesh on September 6th at 4:30 pm IST.
With only the group winners and the seven best runners-up across all eight groups making it through to the Asian Cup, all the clashes will be very important for the Blue Colts.
And for that India have already been preparing from June. In August, India also played four international friendlies, two each against Singapore and Yemen.
In this article, we will take a look at three players to watch out in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers from India U-20.
Suraj Singh Aheibam
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The India U-20 goalkeeper, Suraj Singh Aheibam is a player who will be very important for the Blue Colts heading in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Suraj was in great form in the SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 making some crucial saves throughout the game despite visibly being a little unformattable physically.
Suraj was outstanding against Pakistan and Bangladesh during the group stage and even received the player of the match award for that. Despite India losing the finals to Bangladesh on penalties, his ability to lead and command his defensive line were commendable.
Suraj needs to be at his absolute best heading into these qualifiers as teams like Syria and Uzbekistan will surely test the Indian defense.
Vishal Yadav
The 18-year-old Punjab FC player, Vishal Yadav brings immense quality to India’s frontline. He had a wonderful SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 campaign where he impressed everyone with his sheer determination and ability to take on defenders.
Vishal scored two goals in the SAFF Championship 2026 against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the group stage games and was even a part of the Punjab FC team that went for the RFDL Japan Tour recently. India will need runners like him in the qualifiers, especially during counter attacks and in transition making him a player to watch out.
Omang Dodum
The 19-year-old centre-forward from Arunachal Pradesh, Omang Dodum has been a very important part of the India U-20 set up under head coach Mahesh Gawali.
The Punjab FC player had a wonderful SAFF U-20 Championship 2026 where he managed to score 3 goals finishing as the joint top scorer of the tournament. He was also able to slot in some crucial assists throughout. In the entirety of the tournament, Omang won 2 Player of the match awards and was awarded the Most valuable player of the tournament.
His goalscoring prowess and ability to play offensive balls make him a crucial player for India in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
When will India begin their AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
India will begin their AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Syria on 31st August.
Who is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team?
Mahesh Gawali is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.