Brandon Fernandes, Asheer Akhtar called up to India camp for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Both players were missing from the 30-member probable squad announced earlier.

The probable Indian squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers will have two new faces, Brandon Fernandes and Asheer Akhtar, before the camp starts. The training camp for the AFC Asian Qualifiers will start on September 20.

The Indian team will play against Singapore in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup fixtures on October 9 and 14 in away and home fixtures, respectively. These two matches will be crucial for India as they have lost the first two qualifiers. Points dropped in the remaining qualifying fixtures can put India’s qualification for the AFC Asian Cup in jeopardy.

Also Read: Khalid Jamil announces 30-member probable squad for India camp for matches against Singapore

Brandon and Asheer in the fold

Brandon Fernandes has been missing in action since the arrival of the newly appointed head coach, Khalid Jamil. The former Jamshedpur FC manager did not include the Goan midfielder in either the probable or final squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

When the probable squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup was announced, his name was omitted from the list. This notable exclusion raised questions about the future of the Mumbai City FC player in the national squad. However, with the late addition to the squad, it is clear that he is still in the plans.

Another inclusion is NorthEast United FC defender Asheer Akhtar. The highlander has been called up for the national team for the first time. He was a part of the Durand Cup NorthEast United squad and started for the club consistently. Akhtar is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions in the backline, with his prominent position being centre-back. He made 29 appearances for NorthEast United in the 2024/25 season.

Brandon’s creativity is essential

In the recently concluded CAFA Nations Cup 2025, India lacked in quality in terms of creating chances. The Blue Tigers did not have a proper attacking midfielder in the squad who could mastermind goalscoring opportunities for India.

Sahal Abdul Samad was unavailable due to the AFC Champions League 2 fixtures, and Brandon Fernandes was surprisingly not selected. With these two players missing, India were found wanting against a team like Afghanistan, where the onus was on them to create chances.

Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte were tried in that role, but none of them could have a significant impact. This inability to hurt opposition defences has pushed Khalid Jamil to call one of India’s best midfielders to do the rescue act. However, Brandon’s inclusion in the final squad is still up in the air.

India probable squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers camp

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem.

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammed Aimen, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan.

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh (jr), Mohammed Sanan K, Muhammed Suhail, Parthib Gogoi, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.

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