India U-23 Men's National Team Announces Squad for Friendly Matches in Tajikistan

India U-23 Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

The head coach of the India U-23 men's national football team, Naushad Moosa, has revealed a 29-member squad for the upcoming friendly matches scheduled in Dushanbe, Tajikistan next month.

On Tuesday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the appointment of Naushad Moosa as the head coach for the U-23 team.

Moosa will officially begin his role on June 1, when the team starts its training camp in Kolkata. The primary objective is to prepare the squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, as outlined by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The U-23 team is set to compete against the Tajikistan U-23 and Kyrgyz Republic U-23 teams on June 18 and June 21, respectively. These matches are part of the AIFF's strategy to create a pathway for players to transition to the senior national team, according to the federation's official website.

The training camp in Kolkata will commence on June 1, with the team departing for Dushanbe on June 16.

In line with its long-term vision, the AIFF has organized several camps and friendly matches for the U-23 squad during FIFA International Windows to prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers later this year and the Asian Games in Japan in 2026.

Upcoming friendly matches for the U-23 team include:

June 18: Tajikistan vs India.

June 21: Kyrgyz Republic vs India.

Probable players for the India U-23 Men's National Team include:

Goalkeepers: Sahil, Priyansh Dubey, Md Arbaz.

Defenders: Nikhil Barla, Dippendu Biswas, Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Clarence Fernandes, Sajad Hussain Parray, Muhammed Saheef, Subham Bhattacharya, Suman Dey.

Midfielders: Vibin Mohanan, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Vinith Venkatesh, Harsh Patre, Rahul Raju, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Macarton Louis Nickson, Manglenthang Kipgen, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Mohammed Aimen, Huidrom Thoi Singh.

Forwards: Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Md Suhail, Korou Singh Thingujam, Mohammed Sanan K, Alan Shaji, Joseph Sunny.

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: Naushad Moosa.

Assistant Coach: Remus Damiao Gomes.

Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhary.

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Diwakar Manohar.