Naushad Moosa Says India 'Well Prepared' For AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Vs Bahrain

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 20:30 IST

India U23, led by Naushad Moosa, face Bahrain in AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers opener in Doha, aiming historic qualification. Group H includes Qatar and Brunei Darussalam.

Indian men's U23 football team head coach Naushad Moosa (AIFF)

The Indian men’s U23 team will face Bahrain in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group H opener on Wednesday at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Led by head coach Naushad Moosa, the Blue Colts are striving to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time. Despite six previous attempts, India has not progressed beyond the Qualifiers, and Moosa and his young squad are keen to make history in the Qatari capital.

Group H also includes hosts Qatar and Brunei Darussalam. The group winners, along with the four best runners-up from all 11 groups, will qualify for the final tournament scheduled for January 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

During the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Moosa stated, “I don’t think any team is ‘big’. It’s important to respect every opponent. As far as Bahrain are concerned, we have watched two or three of their matches to prepare. We know Qatar are a very strong side. They play tomorrow, so I’ll get some analysis from that game."

How India U-23 Team Prepared For AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers?

The Blue Colts have conducted two separate camps leading up to the Qualifiers. In June, they played two friendly games against Tajikistan (2-3 defeat) and Kygryz Republic (0-0 draw) in Tajikistan. In August, they had a 20-day camp at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. In the last week of August, the India U23S travelled to Malaysia for two closed-door friendly games against Iraq, where they lost 1-2 and 1-3.

“All four friendlies we played were tough. But I was happy with the way the team played. We are well prepared – both mentally and physically – and I’m really looking forward to it. We are ready for the opening game against Bahrain," Moosa commented.

“Bahrain are a strong side. Watching them, I was very impressed with the way they attack, defend, and the intensity they bring. I have a lot of respect for them. It will be a competitive game, and it definitely won’t be easy for Bahrain," he added.

Bahrain head coach Ali Abdulmajed remarked, “India are a strong team with quality players. We’ve watched their recent matches, and they have good elements. It will be a 50-50 match. If we manage to deal with India’s strengths, we can have the upper hand. But if India succeed in imposing their game, it will be difficult."

After the friendlies in Malaysia, the Blue Colts flew directly to Qatar, arriving in Doha on Saturday, four days before the first match. With daytime temperatures soaring to 43 degrees, Moosa noted that the team is gradually adjusting to the different weather conditions.

“It’s hot and humid, of course, but in the last few days, we’ve been trying to adapt as quickly as possible. The boys are working hard. We are working on it by training in the mornings and trying to get used to the conditions. The facilities are very good, and we’re excited to play.

“These matches are very important. U23 tournaments help in the players’ development a lot as they get minutes. We need more tournaments like this for better player progression into the senior level," Moosa said.

Captain and centre-back Bikash Yumnam, who accompanied the coach at the press conference, remarked, “The first match is very important to build confidence and get points. We’ve been preparing for the last three weeks, and now the boys are ready for the Qualifiers. Every day, we give 100 per cent, and we’re really looking forward to making a mark here."

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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Doha, Qatar

First Published:

September 02, 2025, 20:30 IST

News sports Naushad Moosa Says India 'Well Prepared' For AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers Vs Bahrain

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