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Key Points

Naushad Moosa has been named head coach of India's U23 men's national team. The squad will play friendlies against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic in June. These matches are part of preparations for AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The long-term goal is building a competitive team for the 2026 Asian Games.

Key Points: Naushad Moosa Picks India U23 Squad for Tajikistan Friendlies

  • Naushad Moosa appointed India U23 head coach
  • Squad includes Parthib Gogoi and Bikash Yumnam
  • Friendlies set for June 18 and 21
  • Preparations target AFC U23 Qualifiers and Asian Games
2 min read

Naushad Moosa names 29-member probable squad for India U23s

India U23 coach Naushad Moosa names 29-member squad for June friendlies against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic in Dushanbe.

"The exposure matches are crucial for our long-term goals ahead of AFC U23 Qualifiers and Asian Games 2026 – AIFF Official"

New Delhi, May 23

A 29-member probable squad for the exposure friendly matches in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next month, has been announced by India U-23 men's national team head coach Naushad Moosa.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF), on Tuesday, appointed Naushad Moosa as the head coach of the India U-23 men's national team.

Moosa will take charge of the team on June 1, when they begin their camp in Kolkata, with the long-term aim of preparing the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi and Nagoya in Japan, in line with the plans laid out to the federation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The India U-23s will face the Tajikistan U-23 and Kyrgyz Republic U-23 teams in two matches on June 18 and June 21, respectively, as part of the federation's long-term plans to smooth a pathway to the senior national team, as per the AIFF official website.

The team will set camp in Kolkata on June 1, where they will train before setting off for Dushanbe on June 16.

As part of the long terms plans for the India U-23s, the AIFF has lined-up camps and exposure friendly matches for the Blue Colts during the FIFA International Windows in order to prepare for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, to be held later this year, and the Asian Games, to be held in Japan in 2026.

June friendly exposure matches for the U23 team:

June 18: Tajikistan vs India.

June 21: Kyrgyz Republic vs India.

India U-23 Men's National Team Probables list

Goalkeepers: Sahil, Priyansh Dubey, Md Arbaz.

Defenders: Nikhil Barla, Dippendu Biswas, Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Clarence Fernandes, Sajad Hussain Parray, Muhammed Saheef, Subham Bhattacharya, Suman Dey.

Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Vinith Venkatesh, Harsh Patre, Rahul Raju, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Huidrom Thoi Singh.

Forwards: Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Md Suhail, Korou Singh Thingujam, Mohammed Sanan K, Alan Shaji, Joseph Sunny.

Head Coach: Naushad Moosa.

Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes.

Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhary.

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see AIFF planning for the future! These exposure tours are crucial for our young players to gain international experience. Hope Moosa can bring out the best in this squad 🇮🇳⚽
P
Priya M.
Exciting mix of players from different states! But why only 2 matches? Should have more friendlies against Central Asian teams to test our boys properly. The road to Asian Games starts now!
A
Amit S.
Moosa has done good work with Bengaluru FC youth. Hope he can replicate that success with national team. But AIFF needs to provide better infrastructure - why always Kolkata camp? Spread opportunities!
S
Sunita P.
Nice to see Northeast representation in the squad! Players like Bikash Yumnam and Korou Singh bring that extra spark. Hope they get proper chances to shine in Tajikistan 🤞
V
Vikram J.
The real test will be AFC U23 qualifiers. These friendlies should be used to build team chemistry. Hope AIFF doesn't change coaches every few months like they do with senior team!
N
Neha R.
Good initiative but timing could be better. June is peak summer - players might struggle with fitness in Central Asian conditions. Should have scheduled for cooler months.

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