Kolkata, March 24: In Kochi, the national football team is returning after a span of almost ten years. The Indian national football team is coming back to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers on 31st March. The senior national team is also returning to the blue jersey after almost six months since their CAFA Nations campaign.
As the domestic league is ongoing, it has entered the FIFA break. On Tuesday, the head coach of the Indian football team, Khalid Jamil, announced his 23-member squad. The team has started training today with 20 players, as East Bengal FC had their last match yesterday, three players from the team will join later. With zero wins, three losses, and two draws, India have no chance of qualifying, but this will be their last clash against Hong Kong.
With India already out of qualification for the Asian Cup, Khalid Jamil is looking at this match as a step towards the future. He believes it is a good chance to build the team by bringing in young and promising players. Many of these players are currently playing with the U20 and U23 teams in different tournaments, gaining valuable experience. Overall, Jamil’s focus is not just on this match, but on developing a strong team for the future.
Ryan Williams has become an interesting addition to the Indian national team setup. The Australian-born forward, who has been playing for Bengaluru FC for the last three years, recently earned his Indian citizenship and received his national team call-up. At 32, he brings experience and attacking strength to the squad.
Williams made his debut for Blue Tigers in November 2025, in a closed-door friendly against Bhutan. Having previously represented Australia, his switch adds a new dimension to India’s forward line, especially at a time when the nation is looking to rebuild and find consistency.
India lost their previous fixture against Hong Kong 1–0, when the coach was Marquez Roca. After a gap and with a new coach, with new momentum, all eyes will be on 31st March.
Here is the India squad for the match vs Hong Kong:
Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad.
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams.
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