Top 3 players from India U-20's AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 campaign

India qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup after a wait of 20 years.

The India U-20 men’s football team made history as they managed to book their spot in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 China after defeating Bangladesh U-20 on September 6, ending a two decade wait since their last appearance in 2006.

Mahesh Gawali’s side managed to gather 6 points in three games and finished second in Group B of AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers ahead of Syria and SAFF U-20 Champions, Bangladesh. The Blue Colts managed to defeat Syria U-20 and Bangladesh U-20 but fell short against hosts Uzbekistan.

This campaign marked history for Indian football, but it had fair share of positives and negatives throughout. While some players made their mark beautifully, others struggled to perform up to the expectations.

In this article, we will take a look at top three players from India U-20’s AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign.

3. Suraj Singh Aheibam

India U-20’s goalkeeper, Suraj Singh Aheibam played the entire 90 minutes in all three games of AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers and did well for the Blue Colts.

The 18-year-old Manipuri custodian conceded 4 goals in three games and kept 2 clean sheets in the three-game campaign. Hosts Uzbekistan were the only team that managed to score against Suraj. The Bangladesh game did not test Suraj a lot, but the first game against Syria was a very tough challenge for the goalkeeper and he did manage to have some good saves and kept a clean sheet against them.

More than the shot stopping, it was the ball distribution that stood out for Suraj. The Bengaluru FC player was acting as the first man involved in the team’s build up and looked very comfortable and good on the ball to the point where it seemed like a midfielder was operating from the back.

His crucial contributions both defensively and offensively make him one of the brightest players from the campaign for India.

2. Md. Arbash

Md Arbash is another name who impressed in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers for India. The 17-year-old midfielder played the role of a super sub for the Blue Colts and made instant impact whenever he was brought on by the head coach Mahesh Gawali.

The Manipur born, Bengaluru FC player played key roles and managed to register one goal and one assist to his name in three games coming off the bench. His best impact came when he was subbed on in the first game against Syria and India were in a need for inspiration. Arbash came on at the 80th minute mark and provided the assist for the match winning goal scored by Shami.

Against Bangladesh as well, the midfielder looked very good after coming on as a substitute. This time he managed to get his name on the scoresheet scoring his first goal of the campaign to give India a 3-0 lead over Bangladesh in a must win game.

His impact off the bench in crucial times put him second on the list.

1. Danny Meitei

Danny Meitei was among the brightest names for India U-20 at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The 18-year-old midfielder played a crucial role throughout India’s campaign in the qualification round. Against Syria, despite India getting a narrow win, Danny was among the few players who looked good for India.

The Manipur born, NorthEast United FC player looked very good against Syria in the first game and controlled the midfield for the Blue Colts. Against Uzbekistan, the midfielder was not at his best and struggled to make an impact.

However, in a must win game against Bangladesh, Danny emerged as the best player for the Blue Colts and broke the deadlock in the first half. The midfielder made multiple entries into the opposition penalty box and kept piling pressure on Bangladesh.

His overall control and confidence in the midfield keep him among the brightest performers for the Blue Colts.

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