MARGAO
Goa defender Asher Rebello has been named in India’s 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from August 31 to September 6.
Rebello, who has come through FC Goa’s youth system, is among six defenders selected by head coach Mahesh Gawali. The 18-year-old had earlier earned his first India U-20 call-up for the team’s Singapore friendlies.
More than 100 players were assessed during trials that began in Bengaluru in June before the final squad was selected. Gawali’s side went unbeaten in four friendlies earlier this month, beating Singapore 3-0 and 1-0 and recording a 0-0 draw and a 1-0 win against Yemen.
India, drawn in Group B with Syria, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, will open their campaign against Syria on August 31. They will face hosts Uzbekistan on September 3 before concluding against Bangladesh on September 6. All three matches will be played at Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent.
The group winners and seven best runners-up across the eight groups will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.
