Players who made comeback to Indian football team ahead of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier game against Hong Kong
Six out of seven players are from Mohun Bagan SG.
The Indian senior national team will face Hong Kong in the final game of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier 2027 Group C fixtures. This match is nothing less than a mere formality as Singapore has already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 after winning three out of the first five games.
For India, this is an opportunity for Khalid Jamil to give opportunities to young talents and also keep the spirits high after a demoralising campaign in the qualifiers.
From minutes away from beating Qatar and qualifying for Asia to being the clear favorites to top Group C to being on the verge of finishing at the bottom of Group C, no wonder the Blue Tigers must find ways to sail through the storm and find the silver lining in the cloud during such catastrophic times.
In this feature article, we shall take a closer look at all the players who will be making a comeback to the Indian national team ahead of the Hong Kong game in Kochi.
We find out their recent form and assess if they can make an impact in the next game.
7. Sahal Abdul Samad
The Mohun Bagan SG midfielder has so far made 5 appearances for Mohun Bagan SG, but has not started any game for the Mariners this season.
From being the primary attacking midfielder to being deployed as a substitute player, the upcoming international window would be important for the two-time SAFF Championship winner to get back to his form and silence all his critics.
6. Nikhil Poojary
The Bengaluru FC defender has been in sublime form so far for the Blues. Despite Bengaluru FC dropping easy points against the Highlanders and Punjab FC, Nikhil has been at his best, starting every game for Bengaluru and making 2 assists.
Poojary will be hoping to continue his outstanding form with the national team. Given his recent form, there is a high chance that Khalid might choose him to start the game against Hong Kong.
5. Manvir Singh
Manvir has made 2 goal contributions for Mohun Bagan Super Giant so far, including a goal against Mohammedan and giving an assist against Odisha FC.
India’s attacking unit has terribly performed in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier campaign, scoring just 2 goals in 5 games.
In Chhetri’s absence, all eyes will be on veteran players like Manvir to keep the goals coming, and the two-time ISL Champion will have a big role to play against Hong Kong.
4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh
There is no slightest hesitation in admitting that Tekcham, at just 21, is unarguably one of the best wingbacks in the country. It is never easy to make a move to a big club like Mohun Bagan SG and start every single game for the Mariners so far.
It will be interesting to see if Khalid prefers the experience of Nikhi Poojary in the right back role, or if it will be Tekcham’s young flair and acceleration that will be given a nod.
3. Lalengmawia Ralte
Another Mohun Bagan SG player to make a comeback to the Indian national team, Apuia has also started in every single game for the Mariners. The former NorthEast and Mumbai City FC midfielder will be a player to watch in the upcoming international window.
His presence in the midfield adds defensive stability in the centre of the park. Apuia has been a big match player. From scoring that stunner in the ISL Semi Finals in the last minute to propel the Mariners to the finals, Apuia will be a player to watch out for.
2. Liston Colaco
Liston Colaco had an underwhelming campaign in the last international window, and this time, he will need to prove his worth. The Mohun Bagan SG winger is yet to find his name in the scoresheet so far but will be keen to contribute to the team’s goal tally in the upcoming game.
What makes Liston an extraordinary asset is his ability to switch positions. The Goan winger has so far given 2 assists and will be raring to go all guns blazing against Hong Kong.
1. Vishal Kaith
The Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper is back in the Indian national team. Alongside Gurpreet, Khalid has chosen Kaith and Albino in the national team.
Despite India failing to clinch a win so far, we have to admit that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was probably the best player.
Vishal, on the other hand, has shown his reflexes and he has so far kept 3 clean sheets for Mohun Bagan SG in this season of ISL
India 23-man squad vs Hong Kong
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
- Buy tickets on the Ticketgenie app
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.