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Key Points

India U23 head coach Naushad Moosa has announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The team will compete in Group H against Bahrain, hosts Qatar, and Brunei Darussalam. Moosa stressed the importance of taking each match seriously, starting with the crucial opener against Bahrain. The squad recently gained valuable experience from friendlies against Iraq despite losing both matches.

Key Points: Naushad Moosa Names India U23 Squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

  • India drawn in Group H with Bahrain, Qatar and Brunei
  • Squad includes goalkeepers Sahil, Mohd Arbaz and Dipesh Chauhan
  • Team recently played friendlies against Iraq U23 in Malaysia
  • Coach emphasizes avoiding conceding goals and staying focused
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Naushad Moosa names India squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers

India U23 coach Naushad Moosa announces 23-man squad for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Qatar. Team faces Bahrain, Qatar, and Brunei in Group H.

"The key is to take it one match at a time. The first game will be very important - Naushad Moosa"

New Delhi, Aug 31

India U23 men’s national team head coach Naushad Moosa, on Sunday, announced the 23-member squad that will play the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

India have been drawn in Group H of the qualifiers, where they will play Bahrain (September 3), hosts Qatar (September 6) and Brunei Darussalam (September 9). The group winners and the four best second-placed teams from the 11 groups will qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.“The key is to take it one match at a time. The first game (against Bahrain) will be very important because it will help us understand where we currently stand. Getting those three points will be crucial,” Moosa said to AIFF's official website.“We must play good football, that’s the key. If we play well, the results will follow. Another focus will be to avoid conceding goals and stay focussed,” he added.The India U23s had, earlier this month, played two closed-doors friendlies against Iraq U23s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Though they lost both matches (1-2 and 1-3), Moosa is positive that the Blue Colts have gained confidence from the two encounters.“Playing against Iraq was the best thing to happen for the team. They are one of the top sides, and the way we played – even though we lost – was quite encouraging. The important thing is that the boys showed character and have gained a lot of belief in their abilities,” said Moosa.The India U23s have travelled to Doha, Qatar on August 30 and held their first training session on the evening of the same day.India squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers:Goalkeeper: 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

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Bahrain match is crucial indeed. We need to start strong and get those 3 points. All the best to our young colts! 💪
A
Aditya G
Playing against Iraq was good preparation even if we lost. These young players need exposure against quality teams to develop. Future looks promising!
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Sarah B
Hope the defense is solid. Conceding goals has been our weakness in previous tournaments. Bikash Yumnam needs to lead from the back.
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Karthik V
Tough group with Qatar as hosts. But if we can beat Bahrain and Brunei convincingly, we might still qualify as one of the best second-placed teams. Let's go Blue Tigers! 🐅
M
Michael C
Good to see investment in youth development. These tournaments are important for building future senior team players. Hope they get good broadcasting coverage.

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