Khalid Jamil Unveils India Squad vs Hong Kong; Surprise Entry for Bijoy Varghese, Mehtab Misses Out

Khalid Jamil has announced the 23-man squad who will be representing India in their final Group C clash against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027 on March 31. India national football team is virtually out of the running for a place in the 2027 edition of the AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Under Jamil, the Blue Tigers have lost three and drawn two of their five Group C games, and will be looking to close a disappointing campaign with a win over Hong Kong. Players like Tekcham Abhishek Singh and Akash Mishra are recalled for national duty by the former Jamshedpur FC head coach, following their return to fitness after a long spell on the sidelines.

Bijoy Varghese has earned a deserved call-up to the senior team following his impressive performances in the Indian Super League (ISL) for Punjab FC. Notable first-team players like Suresh Singh Wangjam, Boris Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, and Valpuia have been dropped from the 23-man list. PN Noufal, who has scored three goals in five ISL games for Mumbai City FC this term, is also a notable absentee from Khalid Jamil's squad.

Can Khalid Jamil's Men Redeem Themselves With A Win In the Final Game?

The AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027 campaign has been extremely disappointing for Khalid Jamil and his men, and the results have drawn widespread criticism from Indian football fans. A win over Hong Kong national football team can pacify some of the disgruntled fans and provide hope for Indian football in the coming years.

The reverse fixture saw India lose the game in Hong Kong in the final embers of the game after conceding a cheap penalty. Stefan Pereira Figueiredo stepped up and slotted home from the spot as all of India's hard work came to nought in the end under then head coach Manolo Marquez.

India 23-Man Squad For AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Sandesh Jhingan, Naorem Roshan Singh, Akash Mishra, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad

Attackers: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Chaudhry, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Rahim Ali