India has revealed a 23-member squad for their high-stakes AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) released the squad list on Saturday, confirming that the team has been training in Bengaluru for the past week.
The Blue Tigers are set to face Bangladesh on Tuesday (November 18) at 8 PM at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The Indian team is expected to arrive in Dhaka this evening to continue their final preparations for the match.
Expatriate Ryan Williams Included, But Clearance Still Pending
Following Bangladeshβs successful integration of foreign-origin players like Hamza Chowdhury, Zayan, Samit Som, and Cuba Mitchell, India appears to be taking a similar approach. Australian-born midfielder Ryan Williams has been named in the squad for the first time.
However, Williamsβ participation remains uncertain. His appearance depends on obtaining an NOC from Football Australia, followed by approval from both FIFA and the AFC.
A senior AIFF official said,
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India has already submitted a formal request to allow Williams to play against Bangladesh. If clearance arrives by November 17, he will be eligible for selection. Otherwise, his debut will be delayed. Notably, Williams has already featured in a warm-up match against Bhutan.
Although born in Australia, Williams holds Indian nationality through his mother. His fatherβs lineage also made him eligible for England and Wales. Initially, he chose to represent Australia but did not break into their senior national team, ultimately opting to play for India.
Both Teams Out of Qualification Race
Despite the anticipation surrounding the match, neither Bangladesh nor India has any possibility of advancing to the main tournament. With only 2 points from 4 games, both teams sit at the bottom of Group C, with India trailing on goal difference.
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Indiaβs Squad for the Match Against Bangladesh
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Vikas Yumnam, Himingthanmaoiya Ralte, Joy Gupta, Paramvir, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan
Midfielders: Brishan Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Makarton Lewis Nixon, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianjula Chhangte, Mohammad Shanan, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Pratap Singh
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