India men’s head coach Khalid Jamil, on Tuesday, announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong, China, with 14 changes to the previous roster.
Albino Gomes and Bijoy Varghese are two surprise additions to the squad, with the former returning to the national team after nearly a decade. Varghese, meanwhile, is yet to play for the senior national team.
There will, however, only be pride to play for for India. With no wins, three losses, and two draws in the qualification campaign so far, Jamil’s boys are out of the Asian Cup race.
India had lost its previous fixture 0-1 to Hong Kong, a match that ended up being the last match for Manolo Marquez as head coach. With Khalid eight months into the new job, it remains to be seen what awaits him after this clash.
The qualifier will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala, with national team football returning to the state after 10 years. The last international men’s match at the venue was that between India and Turkmenistan in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
INDIA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farood Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams
Published on Mar 24, 2026
