Three trialists make it to 24-member India U23 Squad for Iraq friendlies in Malaysia

The Indian U23 team are travelling to Malaysia today.

The Indian U23 football team are gearing up for a crucial set of fixtures as they face Iraq U23 in two friendlies in Malaysia on August 25 and 28, 2025.

A 24-member squad is travelling for the matches, which will serve as key preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers starting on September 3.

The squad does not feature any players from Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while footballers from NorthEast United FC are set to join the camp after their Durand Cup final against Diamond Harbour FC on August 23.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) continue to push Mohun Bagan to release their players before the FIFA window opens on September 1. However, with the Mariners scheduled to begin their AFC Champions League 2 campaign on September 16, the club raise concerns over player fatigue and fitness.

“We are trying to convince the Mohun Bagan management to release the players on time atleast for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers which will start on September 3rd,” an official from AIFF revealed to Khel Now.

Also Read: Indian U23 Football Team set to travel to Malaysia without Mohun Bagan players

Nausha Moosa preparing for AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers with limited resources

(Courtesy: AIFF)

Head coach Naushad Moosa had to start the preparatory camp in Bengaluru with a severely depleted roster. As many as 16 regulars from Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United, Punjab FC, Jamshedpur FC, and FC Goa were unavailable due to club commitments in the Durand Cup.

From the squad that featured in the June friendlies against Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, only 10 players reported on time. To maintain training intensity, Moosa brought in 15 trialists, including talented players such as Sahil Harijan, Soham Varshneya, and Harsh Palande, raising the camp strength to 25. All three of the players have made it to the squad.

Still, the absence of proven names left him worried, especially with many of the missing players considered first-choice starters.

FC Goa’s youngsters Ayush Chhetri, Sanatomba Singh, and Alan Saji joined the team later, right after completing their AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round fixture against Al Seeb on August 13. While this boosted the squad, Moosa will likely be without Mohun Bagan’s emerging stars Suhail Bhat, Dippendu Biswas, and Tekcham Abhishek Singh for the qualifiers.

Indian U23 travelling squad for the friendlies against Iraq

Goalkeepers: Mohd Arbaz (Kerala Blasters), Sahil (Bengaluru FC).

Defenders: Bikash Yumnam (Kerala Blasters), Haobam Ricky Meetei (Bengaluru FC), Muhammed Saheef AP (Kerala Blasters), Pramveer (Punjab FC), Subham Bhattacharya (Odisha FC), Yanglem Sanatomba Singh (FC Goa), Harsh Arun Palande (Bengaluru FC)

Midfielders: Ayush Chhetri (FC Goa), Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh (Bengaluru FC), Lalremtluanga Fanai (Bengaluru FC), Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC), Macarton Louis Nickson (NorthEast United), Mohammed Aimen (Kerala Blasters), Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters), Vinith Venkatesh (Bengaluru FC), Manglenthang Kipgen (Punjab FC), Soham Naveen Varshneya (Bengaluru FC)

Forwards: Mohammed Sanan K (Jamshedpur FC), Parthib Sundar Gogoi (NorthEast United), Md. Suhail (Punjab FC), Sahil Harijan (United SC Kolkata), M.S.Sreekuttan (Kerala Blasters)

Uphill task awaits Blue Colts in AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers

India has been drawn into Group H for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, where they will face Bahrain on September 3, Qatar on September 6, and Brunei on September 9. Only the group winners and four best second-placed teams across 11 groups will advance to the finals in Saudi Arabia next January.

Among the opponents, Qatar U23 are tournament regulars, Bahrain have qualified only once in their history, and Brunei have yet to make an appearance. For the Blue Colts, the challenge is steep, as they are still chasing their first-ever qualification to the tournament.

India’s recent results underline the tough road ahead. In their last three outings, the U23 side went down 2-3 against Tajikistan, held Kyrgyz Republic to a goalless draw, and suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat at the hands of FC Goa.

India’s schedule for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers is:

3 September – Bahrain

– Bahrain 6 September – Qatar

– Qatar 9 September – Brunei

The competition also serves as the AFC’s pathway to the Olympics.

How many players are in India’s U23 travelling squad for Malaysia? India have selected a 24-member travelling squad for the friendlies against Iraq. When are the India U23 vs Iraq U23 friendlies? The matches will be played on August 25 and 28, 2025, in Malaysia. Who are India’s opponents in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers? India are placed in Group H with Bahrain, Qatar, and Brunei, playing matches on September 3, 6, and 9.

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