India U-20 vs Syria U-20 Preview - Team news, lineups | AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
The Blue Colts to begin their campaign against Syria.
The India U-20 side will be kicking off their qualifiers for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup when they face off against Syria U-20 in their first group clash at the Do’stik Stadium, Tashkent, on Monday (31 August 2026).
It’ll be imperative for Mahesh Gawali’s side to be able to get all three points to kick off their qualification round, knowing how important it is to win maximum games to top their group – but they’ll need to be at their sharpest against a tough Syrian side looking to pave their own path into the AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
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The Stakes
India U-20
The India U-20 side have performed relatively well under Mahesh Gawali’s management in 2026.
However, it’s now time for them to tap into their absolute best under the experienced coach and be able to prove their ability to defeat major opposition at the continental level.
The Indian players will need to be sharp to hold their own against Syria, working hard to win duels and being innovative with their attacking play to be able to create big chances.
They’ll need to be clinical in finishing off opportunities swiftly for them to get a big win, which will definitely be a confidence booster for the players early in the qualifiers.
A defeat, however, can mark a really poor start to the tournament and hamper their chances of topping the group.
Syria U-20
The Syria U-20 side had a relatively disappointing outing at the 2025 U-20 AFC Asian Cup, being only able to get two draws and failing to make it past the group stages.
Now, they are poised to begin another qualification campaign in the hopes of making it back into the tournament and giving a stronger showing in it in the 2027 edition.
The Syrian youngsters will look to be at their impactful best against India, troubling their opponents with their fast-paced style and look to oust them in the key duels.
They will need to be efficient in the final third to be able to get a compelling win over India, as winning the first game can strengthen their hopes of topping the group.
However, if they end up losing to India U-20, it can be a major setback and greatly hamper their chances of making it to the tournament.
Team News
Mahesh Gawali has chosen a 23-man squad for the qualifiers, with the likes of Yohaan Benjamin, Ashik Adhikari, Agastya Bhat and Dallalmuon Gangte being among those omitted from it.
Syria are expected to bring a strong squad to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers to bolster their chances of winning their group.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 2
Won by India U-20: 0
Won by Syria U-20: 2
Draws: 0
Predicted Lineups
India U-20 (4-2-3-1)
Suraj Singh (GK), Yaipharemba Chingakham, Sumit Sharma, Bungson Singh, Asher Rebello, Rishikanta Meitei, Md Arbash, Shami Singamuyam, Vishal Yadav, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Omang Dodum
Syria U-20 (4-2-3-1)
Amr Sweidan (GK), Omran Khalouf, Nabil Al-Omar, Mahmoud Wada, Ahmed Khalil, Ibrahim Saleh, Aland Abdi, Alan Mamo, Mahmoud Al-Omar, Majd Almeri, Youshaa Knaj
Players to Watchout
Shami Singamayum (India U-20)
Shami has been an inspiring breakout talent for Punjab FC, holding the record for being the youngest-ever goalscorer in the ISL in 2025. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has now ascended to the India U-20 national team captaincy, and there will be a lot of expectations from him to excel at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Shami needs to be a commanding figure and driving force in the upcoming qualifiers, needing to inspire his teammates with clever work in the opposition box.
Shami will look to be smart with his link-up play, but he needs to be particularly clinical in finishing chances and also innovative in creating them to uplift India U-20’s attacking threat and inspire them to a solid win over Syria U-20.
Youshaa Knaj (Syria U-20)
The Syria U-20 frontline will probably be spearheaded by their powerful striker Youshaa Knaj, who has opted to play for them over Australia in the international football scene. Knaj is currently playing for Greek side BAM FC, and he scored two goals in the Greek Super League U-19 in his time with the Panserraikos U-19 side.
Knaj will look to be a nightmare for the Indian defenders with his smart off-the-ball movement and getting into more promising attacking positions in the opposition half.
He’ll need to be clever with his link-up play, but the 20-year-old has to be particularly clinical with his finishing to be able to guide his side to a thrilling win.
Did you know?
- The last time that India qualified for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup was way back in 2006, when they hosted the tournament.
- Syria won the 1994 AFC U-20 Asian Cup and have won 22 of their 50 matches played in the competition’s history.
Telecast Details
The India U-20 vs Syria U-20 match in the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place at the Do’stik Stadium, Tashkent (Uzbekistan) on Monday (31 August 2026).
The match will kick off at 4:30 PM IST. Telecast details are yet to be confirmed for it.
When will India U-20 play Syria U-20 in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers?
India U-20 will face Syria U-20 on Monday, August 31, 2026. The match will kick off at 4:30 PM IST.
Where can fans watch India U-20 vs Syria U-20?
The telecast and live-streaming details for the match are yet to be confirmed.
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Uttiyo is a sports journalist who has been covering football since 2016. He is an avid football enthusiast who spends hours either watching the beautiful game or writing about it. He has covered various tournaments for Khel Now, such as the FIFA U17 World Cup, ISL, I-League & AFC Champions League.