India U-20 vs Uzbekistan U-20 Preview - Team news, lineups | AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers

India started AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign with a win.

The India U-20 side face arguably their biggest challenge in their quest to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 when they play against Uzbekistan U-20 in their second match of the qualifiers on Thursday, 3 September (2026).

With both teams having won their first match of the qualification, the onus is on both sets of players to produce their best performances in this upcoming clash – knowing that grabbing a win can allow them to take a huge step forward towards winning the group and securing a place in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027.

The Stakes

Uzbekistan U-20

As the hosts of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers (Group B), there is quite a lot of pressure and expectations from Uzbekistan to be able to convincingly defeat their opponents and qualify for the main tournament.

The Uzbekistan youngsters are still undefeated in their matches in 2026, and are coming off a pretty comfortable win over Bangladesh U-20. Farhod Nishonov will be pushing his players to maintain their positive momentum from the previous game and take the fight to the Indian youngsters in this upcoming clash.

The White Wolves will need to maintain a really sturdy defensive shape to be able to neutralize the visitors from playing their natural game.

Moreover, they also need to be innovative and decisive with their attacking work to be able to create big chances on a regular basis and convert them efficiently to get the win.

Defeating India would be a huge booster for the Uzbekistan youngsters as it can basically secure qualification into the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 for them – while suffering a loss to the visitors would be a major setback.

India U-20

The India U-20 side showcased a lot of grit in being able to dig in deep and earn a narrow 1-0 win over Syria U-20 in their first qualifier match for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup as well.

Mahesh Gawali’s side need to pick up confidence from that result to be able to earn a positive result against the hosts. Gawali has to ensure that his India U-20 side are at their absolute best defensively, working hard and tracking the runs of the opposition attackers to be able to neutralize them from dictating things inside their final third.

But it’s not only strong defending that will crack the case for the Indian youngsters, as they also need to be brave on the transitions and finish off chances ruthlessly to be able to surprise the hosts. A possible win for India against a major youth side like Uzbekistan U-20 would be a viable proof that this group of players are capable of excelling at the international stage, but a bad loss is going to make it much tougher for them to qualify for the U-20 Asian Cup 2027.

Team News

The Uzbekistan U-20 side should have a fully fit unit available for this upcoming clash.

Mahesh Gawali is also going to have all his players available for India U-20 from those who played in the win over Syria.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 4

India U-20 wins – 0

Uzbekistan U-20 wins – 4

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

Uzbekistan U-20 (4-2-3-1)

Nematulloh Rustamjonov (GK), Shorakhmedov Shorakhim, Nurmuhammad Abduganiev, Abdulvosid Soliev, Mukhammadali Dilshodbekov, Tulkunbekov Azizbek, Behruz Abdusattarov, Kuvanishbek Saydaliev, Abraev Kuvonchbek, Asilbek Abdurasulov, Davron Tulganov

India U-20 (4-2-3-1)

Suraj Singh (GK), Yaipharemba Chingakham, Bungson Singh, Sumit Sharma, Malemngamba Singh, Rohen Singh, Danny Meitei, Singamayum Shami, Md Arbash, Vishal Yadav, Mohamed Hateem Ali

Players to Watchout

Kuvanishbek Saydaliev (Uzbekistan U-20)

Kuvanishbek Saydaliev had an inspired start to the U-20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers for his side in their win over Bangladesh U-20, being involved in both their goals in the clash.

He was able to score the opening before also setting up another goal, proving himself as a really dangerous figure in the final third for his side. Saydaliev will look to maintain his impressive form against the Blue Colts, looking to unnerve their defenders with his proactive presence in their half.

He will need to be smart with his movement to get into the danger zones in the final third and also accurate with his crossing to be able to set up big chances. The youngster will look to make clever runs into the box to get at the end of chances and finish them off clinically to help his side get a big win.

Md Arbash (India U-20)

Md Arbash was able to make a significant bit of impact for the India U-20 side as their super-substitute against Syria U-20, as it was his clever pass that set up the winning goal for Shami!

The youngster might be in line to get a start from Gawali against Uzbekistan U-20, but he’ll need to really amp up his sharpness levels to be able to threaten the hosts at their own yard.

Arbash will look to be smart with his delivery in the penalty area, picking out teammates in the free spaces with clever crosses and final third passes to destabilize their opponents’ defensive organization. Arbash needs to be decisive with his work in the final third to be able to help India U-20 pose a major threat to Uzbekistan and get a positive result against India.

Did you know?

• Uzbekistan won the 2023 U-20 AFC Asian Cup title, when the competition was held in their own country.
• The last time India played at an U-20 AFC Asian Cup was back in 2006, when they also hosted the tournament.
• Uzbekistan U-20 have played at the U-20 FIFA World Cup six times, reaching the quarterfinals in 2013 and 2015.

Telecast Details

The 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifier clash between Uzbekistan and India will take place on Thursday, 3 September (2026) at the Do’stik Stadium, Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.