India U23 men’s national team head coach Naushad Moosa on Sunday announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be held in Doha, Qatar.
India have been placed in Group H and will face Bahrain on September 3, hosts Qatar on September 6, and Brunei Darussalam on September 9. The group winners, along with the four best second-placed teams across 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 told the-aiff.com.
“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.
Earlier this month, the India U23s played two behind-closed-doors friendlies against Iraq U23s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, losing 1-2 and 1-3. Despite the defeats, Moosa said the games boosted the side’s belief.
“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,” Moosa said.
The Blue Colts travelled to Doha on August 30 and held their first training session later that evening.
India 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
