New Delhi: After a narrow 1-2 loss in their opening friendly, the India U23 men’s national team will face Iraq in their second closed-door friendly on Thursday at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Malaysia, with kickoff scheduled for 13:30 IST.
This fixture serves as the team’s final preparatory match ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha next week, according to an AIFF press release.
Reflecting on the first friendly, head coach Naushad Moosa described it as a valuable learning experience. “It was a highly competitive game and an important opportunity for the boys to gauge the demands of international football,” he said. “Matches like this give us confidence that we can compete at this level.”
Moosa praised the squad’s spirit and adaptability. “The players are learning quickly and are eager to improve. This mentality is crucial as we move forward,” he added, commending their effort, attitude, and fighting spirit.
The coach also noted that lessons from the first game will guide tactical adjustments in upcoming fixtures. “We’ll experiment with new combinations, give more players opportunities, and focus on decision-making in key moments while strengthening our tactical cohesion,” he explained.
With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers approaching, Moosa emphasized the importance of these friendlies. “These matches are essential to build team understanding, improve performance under pressure, and carry momentum into Doha,” he said.
Thursday’s clash will thus not only test India U23 against Iraq but also act as a final rehearsal before the team begins its continental campaign.
