The India U20 men's national football team have started the preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers and have achieved a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Singapore in the friendly match at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. Omang Dodum broke the deadlock in the 45+2nd minute to give India a psychological lead ahead of the interval. Singamayum Shami doubled the lead in the 63rd minute with a powerful goal before Singapore unwittingly conceded an own goal in the 83rd minute.
And this match is part of Singapore U20's tour in India which consists of a two-match friendly series to test an alliance of both teams. Because of tactical preparations the games are being played behind closed doors. The second and final friendly match of this series will take place on August 6 at the same place in Bengaluru, with kick off time at 7:00 PM IST.
Historical rivalry and upcoming qualifier matches. India and Singapore's football rivalry dates back to 1966 when the two sides first met in a U20 match almost six decades ago and India won 4-1. Their historic rivalry also includes a 1974 match in which India won against Singapore in the quarter-finals of the AFC Youth Championship by a penalty shootout and won the prestigious continental title for India. They have also played each other in U19 (a match-up of one win in head-to-head).
On the continental stage, India has been drawn to Group B for AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Blue Colts will start their campaign against Syria on August 31, face up to Uzbekistan on September 3 and conclude their group games on September 6.
India U20 Squad and Coaching Staff. The full 30-member squad selected for the Singapore friendlies is a very good mix of talent in all positions:
Goalkeepers:
Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarraman, Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, and Suraj Singh Aheibam.
Defenders:
Arshvir Singh, Asher Rebello, Ashik Adhikari, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, and Yaipharemba Chingakham.
Midfielders:
Aniket Yadav, Dallalmuon Gangte, Danny Meitei Laishram, Levis Zangminlun, Md Arbash, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Samson Ahongshangbam, and Shami Singamayum.
Forwards:
Agastya Bhat, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hateem Ali, Nirupam Gowda H, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Vishal Yadav, and Yohaan Benjamin.
The team is led by a professional coaching staff led by head coach Mahesh Gawali, assistant coach MG Ramachandran, goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi and strength and conditioning coach Anugrah Suresh who are working together to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.
