New Delhi: India U23 head coach Naushad Moosa has named a 23-member squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, set to take place in Doha.
Placed in Group H, India will face Bahrain on September 3, hosts Qatar on September 6, and Brunei Darussalam on September 9. Only the group winners and the four best runners-up from the 11 groups will advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
“The key is to take it one match at a time. The opener against Bahrain is crucial as it will show us where we stand. Getting those three points will be very important,” Moosa told the-aiff.com.
He added, “We need to focus on playing good football. If we play well, results will follow. Another priority will be to stay solid defensively and avoid conceding.”
Earlier this month, the U23s played two behind-closed-doors friendlies against Iraq U23 in Kuala Lumpur, losing 1-2 and 1-3. Despite the defeats, Moosa believes the experience was valuable.
“Playing Iraq was the best preparation. They are a top side, and even though we lost, the performance was encouraging. The boys showed character and gained confidence,” he said.
The squad reached Doha on August 30 and had their first training session the same evening.
India U23 squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers:
- Goalkeepers: Sahil, Mohd Arbaz, Dipesh Chauhan
- Defenders: Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Muhammed Saheef Areesinte Purakkal, Harsh Arun Palande, Subham Bhattacharya, Ricky Meetei Haobam
- Midfielders: Soham Naveen Varshneya, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Sanan K, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Vinith Venkatesh
- Forwards: Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Muhammed Suhail, Sreekuttan MS, Sahil Harijan
Head Coach: Naushad Moosa
