With the Indian Super League currently suspended, the Indian football is preparing for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Bangladesh, scheduled to be played on November 18. Prior to the game, Blue Tigers head coach Khalid Jamil named 23-member squad which included the most-talked about player in Ryan Williams. It is to be noted that the Australia-born recently received his Indian passport, thus making him eligible for selection in the Indian squad.
While this comes as the first step of All India Football federation’s (AIFF) attempt to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football setup. Although, Williams is a part of the travelling squad, but his participation relies on the No-Objection Certificate from Football Australia
followed by subsequent approvals from FIFA and AFC.
Gurpreet Singh, Sandhesh Jhingan to lead charge in India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs BAN
However, the match does not carry importance as the Blue Tigers are already out of the qualification scenarios of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, sitting at the bottom most spot with no wins and two draws. But, they will be banking on veteran players in Gurpreet SIngh Sandhu, Sandhesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke in what is their final qualifier game. Moreover, the Blue Tigers also also decided to move on from Sunil Chhetri, who communicated the Indian team of his future.
India squad for AFC qualifier vs Bangladesh:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.
Midfielders: Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil; Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali; Goalkeeping Coach: Feroz Sherif; Strength and Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto.
