The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 Qualifiers will be held in Dalian, China from September 6-12, 2023. India are going to face the U-23 teams of Maldives, hosts China and UAE in Group G. The 11 group winners and four best second-placed teams will qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, which also serves as the qualifier for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024.
The Blue Colts have never managed to reach the main competition before. India came close but failed to enter the last edition in 2022 finishing second to UAE by just two points. They won one, drew one and lost the game against the group winners. Also failed to be one of the best runners-up. India will hope to create history this time out with a talented squad in hand
The group will be managed by former national team player Clifford Miranda. The 41-year-old took the helm on August 3, 2023 by the recommendation of the AIFF technical committee. Miranda won the Hero Super Cup with Odisha FC last season and is also serving as assistant manager for Mohun Bagan Super Giants.
India Squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (Emami East Bengal), Arsh Anwer Shaikh (Mohun Bagan Super Giants).
Defenders: Narender Gahlot (Odisha FC), Hormipam Ruivah (Kerala Blasters), Bikash Yumnam (Chennaiyin FC), Sanjeev Stalin (Mumbai City), Sumit Rathi (Mohun Bagan Super Giants), Jitendra Singh (Jamshedpur FC), Abdul Rabeeh (Hyderabad FC).
Midfielders: Thoiba Singh Moirangthem (Odisha FC), Lalrinliana Hnamte (Mohun Bagan Super Giants), Jiteshwor Singh Yumkhaibam (Chennaiyin FC), Ayush Dev Chhetri (Aizawl FC), Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters), Brison Deuben Fernandes (FC Goa), Amarjit Singh Kiyam (Punjab FC).
Forwards: Sourav K (Gokulam Kerala), Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United), Rohit Danu (Hyderabad FC), Ninthoinganba Meetei Khumanthem (Chenaiyin FC), Sivasakthi Narayanan (Captain, Bengaluru FC), Suhail Ahmad Bhat (Mohun Bagan Super Giants).
Head Coach: Clifford Miranda.
The squad is stacked with talents in each position and also has the quality in depth which is promising for the future. Former Golden Glove winner in the ISL, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill needs to bring his best every time while Hormipam Ruivah, Sumit Rathi’s guard in the defence is equally crucial. Lalrinliana Hnamte and Jiteshwor Singh are hoping to be lynchpin in midfield having the help of others in the position. The exciting area of the pitch is undoubtedly the attacking sector which India are willing to thrive on. After repeated injury issues, Sivasakthi Narayanan is finally back to give his service in national colour at the age-group level before making the senior team again. He is willing to bring his form for Bengaluru FC from last season. NorthEast United’s Parthib Gogoi is another upcoming star in the rank while eyes will be on Suhail Ahmad Bhat who enjoyed an exceptional scoring form with Mohun Bagan Super Giants. The striker also scored tons of goals during U16 days.
India fixtures for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Wednesday, 6 September 2023
India U-23 vs Maldives U-23 - Dalian Sports Centre Stadium, Dalian (14:00)
Saturday, 9 September 2023
China U-23 vs India U-23 - Suoyuwan Stadium, Dalian (17:05)
Tuesday, 12 September 2023
UAE U-23 vs India U-23 - Dalian Sports Centre Stadium, Dalian (14:00)
The challenge for the India U-23 team will be far bigger this time as they look to make the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time. Winning against the Maldives in the opener could help establish the required momentum ahead of facing China and then UAE. Two big opponents in the group and against whom the record for India is not so pleasant. The aim will be to collect a decent amount of points that could help them qualify as one of the best runners-up. Topping the group will be a little too further even though the talent on the side is unmistakable.
