Who Did Naushad Moosa Select for the India U23 Men's Team for the Tajikistan Tour?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, Naushad Moosa, the head coach of the India U23 men's team, has unveiled a 23-member squad for their friendly matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. These games are critical for assessing player readiness ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Here's everything you need to know!
Key Takeaways
- Naushad Moosa has announced a 23-member squad for the friendlies.
- The matches will help evaluate player performance.
- India will face Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in June.
- Players are coming off strong performances with the senior national team.
- The squad aims for better preparation ahead of the qualifiers.
New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) The head coach of the India U23 men's team, Naushad Moosa, revealed a 23-member squad on Monday for the upcoming friendly matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The India U23 team has been rigorously training at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata since June 1 and departed for Tajikistan on Monday afternoon. As part of their preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers scheduled for September, India will take on Tajikistan on June 18 and then face Kyrgyzstan on June 21. Both matches are set to occur at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, approximately 25 kilometers from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
Moosa expressed, "These two matches against Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic will be crucial in evaluating our players' abilities and identifying areas for improvement. I am pleased with our preparation thus far, as we won several practice matches by significant margins, though they lacked competitive intensity."
The training camp initially included 29 players, with 20 making the final selection. Notably, forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat, midfielder Ayush Chhetri, and defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh joined the U23 camp after completing their commitments with the senior national team during the June FIFA Window games against Thailand and Hong Kong.
He added, "Following these friendlies, we will gain a deeper understanding of our players and the aspects we need to enhance. The opponents present a solid challenge, which is essential for our preparation for the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, where we will encounter teams like Qatar and Bahrain."
Here is the India U23 squad for the June friendlies in Tajikistan:
Goalkeepers: Mohd Arbaz, Priyansh Dubey, Sahil.
Defenders: Bikash Yumnam, Dippendu Biswas, Muhammed Saheef AP, Nikhil Barla, Pramveer, Subham Bhattacharya, Tekcham Abhishek Singh.
Midfielders: Ayush Chhetri, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan, Vinith Venkatesh.
Forwards: Joseph Sunny, Mohammed Sanan K, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Thingujam Korou Singh.
Head Coach: Naushad Moosa
Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes
Goalkeeper Coach: Dipankar Choudhary
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar
India U23's Match Schedule:
June 18: Tajikistan vs India
June 21: India vs Kyrgyz Republic
Point of View
The announcement of the India U23 team by Naushad Moosa reflects a strategic approach towards developing young talent in Indian football. The upcoming matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan serve as vital assessments for player capabilities, especially with the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers on the horizon. It is essential for the nation to support these initiatives as they pave the way for greater success in international football.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the friendly matches?
The friendly matches against Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan aim to assess the players' skills and readiness ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
When will the matches take place?
The matches are scheduled for June 18 against Tajikistan and June 21 against Kyrgyzstan.
Where will the matches be held?
Both matches will be conducted at the Hisor Central Stadium in Hisor, Tajikistan.
Who is the head coach of the India U23 men's team?
The head coach is Naushad Moosa.
What is the significance of these matches for the team?
These matches will provide valuable insights into player performance and areas for enhancement before the qualifiers.
