Naushad Moosa, the head coach of the India U23 men's national team, has expressed confidence in his team's preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bahrain. India is set to face Bahrain on September 3, 2025, in their opening Group H match in Doha, Qatar.
Moosa acknowledged the importance of the first game against Bahrain, emphasizing that securing three points would be crucial for understanding the team's current standing in the competition. He stressed the significance of playing good football, maintaining focus, and avoiding conceding goals.
India U23 is aiming to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time. In their Group H, they will face 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 team has been preparing with two separate camps and played four friendly matches. In June 2025, they played against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic in Tajikistan. In August, they had a 20-day camp in Bengaluru at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence. Before arriving in Doha, the U23 team played two closed-door friendlies against Iraq U23s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Although India lost both matches 1-2 and 1-3 respectively, Moosa believes the encounters provided valuable experience and boosted the team's confidence. He noted that playing against a top side like Iraq and the way his team performed was encouraging, instilling character and belief in the players' abilities.
Moosa stated that his team is well-prepared, both mentally and physically, for the opening game against Bahrain. He conveyed respect for Bahrain as a strong side, impressed by their attacking and defending capabilities, as well as the intensity they bring to the game.
The India U23s arrived in Doha on August 30, 2025, and had their first training session that evening. Moosa acknowledged the hot and humid conditions in Qatar, with temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius during the day, and said that the team is gradually adapting to the weather by training in the mornings.
The 23-member squad announced by Naushad Moosa includes goalkeepers Sahil, Mohd Arbaz, and Dipesh Chauhan; defenders Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Muhammed Saheef Areesinte Purakkal, Harsh Arun Palande, Subham Bhattacharya, and Ricky Meetei Haobam; and midfielders Soham Naveen Varshneya, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Sanan K, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lalremtluanga Fanai, and Vinith Venkatesh.
