India U20 kicked off their preparations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers with a 3-0 win over Singapore at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. Omang Dodum (45+2′) scored the first goal of the evening for India. Singamayum Shami gave the home team a 2-0 lead by scoring in the 63rd minute. The visiting team gave India a 3-0 lead by scoring an own goal in the 83rd minute. Singapore U20 are on the India tour to play two friendlies. The fixtures are taking place behind the closed doors. The second friendly will take place on August 6 at the same venue from 7:00 PM IST.
India and Singapore’s rivalry goes back to 1966. They first met in a U20 game 60 years ago. India defeated Singapore 4-1 in their first encounter. In 1974, India defeated them in the quarter-final of the AFC Youth Championship in a penalty shootout. India went on to win the prestigious tournament. India and Singapore have also met in U19 football. Both teams have won a game each.
India’s fixtures in Qualifiers
India are in Group B in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualification. They will face Syria in their first game on August 31. The Blue Colts will take on Uzbekistan and Bangladesh in their next two games on September 3 and 6, respectively.
India U20 men’s squad for Singapore friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Jaskaran Dub, Pranav Sundarraman, Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Suraj Singh Aheibam.
Defenders: Arshvir Singh, Asher Rebello, Ashik Adhikari, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Karish Soram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Yaipharemba Chingakham.
Midfielders: Aniket Yadav, Dallalmuon Gangte, Danny Meitei Laishram, Levis Zangminlun, Md Arbash, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Samson Ahongshangbam, Shami Singamayum.
Forwards: Agastya Bhat, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Hateem Ali, Nirupam Gowda H, Omang Dodum, Prashan Jajo, Rohen Singh Chaphamayum, Vishal Yadav, Yohaan Benjamin.
Coaching staff
Head coach: Mahesh Gawali, Assistant coach: MG Ramachandran, Goalkeeping coach: Parshuram Salwadi, Strength and conditioning coach: Anugrah Suresh