India U23 Men's Team Prepares for Friendly Matches in Tajikistan
India U23 Team Arrives in Tajikistan for Friendlies
The India U23 men's football team has landed in Tajikistan to compete in two friendly matches against the host nation and the Kyrgyz Republic. Their first match is scheduled for Wednesday at the Hisor Central Stadium, kicking off at 20:30 IST.
Under the guidance of head coach Naushad Moosa, the squad has been training in Kolkata since June 1 before making their way to Central Asia. After arriving in Dushanbe on Monday evening, the team participated in a mobility session on Tuesday morning, followed by a 90-minute training session later that day. The second match against the Kyrgyz Republic is set for June 21.
Moosa expressed the team's enthusiasm, stating, “The boys are very eager for tomorrow. I’ve been emphasizing the significance of these matches for us.” This marks Moosa's second tour with the U23 team, having previously coached them in friendlies against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur last year.
These matches are crucial for the Blue Colts as they prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in September, where they will face Bahrain, Qatar, and Brunei Darussalam, aiming to qualify for the continental event for the first time.
Despite Dushanbe's elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the current weather is quite hot, reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius during the day. The team will need to adapt to the artificial turf at Hisor Central Stadium, located 25 kilometers from Dushanbe. Moosa is hopeful for a strong turnout at the 20,000-capacity venue.
“The weather is quite warm, but it’s manageable for us. Having supporters in the stands is always beneficial. Most of our players are visiting here for the first time, so their presence would be a great motivation. I recall the last time the Indian senior team played in Tajikistan, there were many Indian fans in attendance, and we hope for a similar atmosphere,” the 53-year-old coach remarked.
The Tajikistan U23 team last played in November 2024, suffering two defeats against the United Arab Emirates, both ending in a 0-3 scoreline. In the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024, Tajikistan was eliminated in the group stage after losing to Iraq and Saudi Arabia, while managing a win against Thailand. However, Moosa anticipates a different and formidable challenge on Wednesday due to the frequent changes in youth football team compositions.
“We recognize that Tajikistan is a strong side. They qualified for the U23 Asian Cup last year and performed well at the senior Asian Cup. The players will undoubtedly be different tomorrow, and the coaching staff has changed as well. We just need to focus on executing our game plan effectively,” Moosa concluded.