The India U23 men's football team is gearing up for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers with a final friendly match against Iraq U23 scheduled for August 28, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. This closed-door match serves as a crucial opportunity for the Blue Colts to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their team cohesion before heading to Doha for the qualifiers.
Recent Friendly Match
In their first friendly encounter on August 25, 2025, India U23 faced a narrow 1-2 defeat against Iraq U23 at the UM Arena Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The match was closely contested, with Dhulfiqar Younus giving Iraq the lead in the 36th minute. Mohammed Sanan responded for India in the 39th minute, leveling the score. However, Mustafa Nawaf Zai secured the win for Iraq with a goal in the 72nd minute.
India U23's starting XI for the first friendly against Iraq was: Mohd Arbaz (GK), Bikash Yumnam (C), Pramveer, Muhammed Saheef, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Sanan, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Muhammad Suhail, Fanai Lalremtluanga, Sahil Harijan, and Ricky Meetei Haobam.
Coach's Perspective
Reflecting on the first friendly, head coach Naushad Moosa acknowledged the valuable learning experience it provided. He emphasized the importance of such competitive games in helping the players understand the demands of international football and building confidence. Moosa expressed satisfaction with the team's spirit, attitude, and fighting spirit, highlighting the players' adaptability and eagerness to learn. He also noted that the lessons learned from the first game would directly influence tactical adjustments for future fixtures.
Preparation for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers are scheduled to take place from September 3-9, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. India U23 is placed in Group H, where they will face Bahrain (September 3), hosts Qatar (September 6), and Brunei Darussalam (September 9).
Coach Moosa emphasized that playing against a strong team like Iraq presents the right kind of challenges to the team before the qualifiers. He stated that the focus is not only on the results but also on building confidence, testing themselves in pressure situations, and learning how to handle the intensity they will face in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
The Blue Colts have been training at the Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru for the past month. The training camp focused on improving fitness, understanding team shape, and developing the right combinations on the pitch. After the two friendlies against Iraq, the team will proceed to Doha, Qatar, for the Qualifiers.
Squad
The India U23 men's squad for the Iraq friendlies in Kuala Lumpur includes:
Naushad Moosa is the head coach of the India U23 team.
The upcoming friendly against Iraq on August 28 will be a final opportunity for the India U23 team to fine-tune their preparations and build momentum before the crucial AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
