The India U23 football team concluded their crucial Central Asia tour in Tajikistan with mixed results, drawing one and losing one across two international friendlies.
More importantly, the tour spanning from June 16 to 21, 2025 offered a timely test and vital insights for head coach Naushad Moosa and his youthful squad as they prepare for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers this September.
With matches against Tajikistan (June 18) and Kyrgyz Republic (June 21), the tour served as a high-altitude rehearsal for what lies ahead in Group H, where India will face Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei Darussalam in a bid to reach the continental finals in Saudi Arabia.
A Camp of Preparation and Purpose
The journey began with a preparatory camp in Kolkata from June 1, focusing on tactical drills, team cohesion, and physical conditioning. A 23-member squad featuring rising talents such as Suhail Bhat, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Ayush Chhetri, Vibin Mohanan, and captain Bikash Yumnam—was picked to test India’s youth depth in a challenging regional setting.
After landing in Dushanbe, the squad based itself in Hisor, where they would play two tough matches that would test their endurance, temperament, and tactical versatility.
Match 1: India 2–3 Tajikistan Late Collapse Mars Spirited Effort
India kicked off their campaign with promise at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda. They took a deserved lead in the 34th minute, when Suhail Bhat headed home a well-measured cross from Macarton Louis Nickson, capping off a solid first half that saw India command possession and repel Tajikistan’s pressure.
But the game turned on its head early in the second half when Ayush Chhetri received a straight red card for a high tackle on Shokhrukh Kirgizboev in the 56th minute. With the team down to ten men, coach Moosa shifted to a 4-4-1 formation, sacrificing attacking impetus for structure.
Tajikistan struck back quickly, with Ansor Khabibov scoring from range in the 59th minute. Despite the setback, India responded bravely Parthib Gogoi, on as a substitute, scored a stunning solo goal in the 85th minute to restore India’s lead.
However, the lack of game management and fatigue saw India concede twice in stoppage time Muhammadiqbol Davlatov netting from a corner in the 91st minute, followed by Muhammadali Azizboev’s counter-attacking winner in the 95th. The final score: India 2, Tajikistan 3—a harsh but valuable lesson in closing out games.
Match 2: India 0–0 Kyrgyz Republic A Hard-Fought Draw
Three days later, India returned to action against Kyrgyz Republic at the Hisor Central Stadium. Moosa rotated heavily, making eight changes to the starting XI. Only Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, and Abhishek Singh Tekcham retained their spots.
The game saw Kyrgyz Republic begin stronger, but India gradually settled. Key chances came via Parthib Gogoi (38’), Vibin Mohanan (44’), and Suhail Bhat, whose 69th-minute finish was ruled offside. Though the attack lacked end-product, India’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Sahil ensuring a clean sheet.
A goalless draw was a fair result and a morale-lifting defensive showing after the heartbreak against Tajikistan.
Tactical Takeaways and Key Performers
Moosa’s tactical setups reflected the dual goals of competitiveness and experimentation. Against Tajikistan, a 4-2-3-1 offered attacking width until the red card forced a pragmatic retreat. Against Kyrgyz Republic, the 4-3-3 tested squad rotation and midfield control.
Standouts:
- Suhail Bhat: Displayed aerial strength and positioning with his goal.
- Parthib Sundar Gogoi: A moment of brilliance in the opener and lively in the second.
- Bikash Yumnam: Steady at the back and vocal in leadership.
- Priyansh Dubey and Sahil: Made crucial saves in goal to keep India in the contest.
The midfield lacked consistent fluency, and defensive lapses during pressure moments especially on set pieces remain areas of concern.
Eyes on September: AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
The real test begins in September 2025, when India battles it out in Group H of the qualifiers. The top team in each group and the four best runners-up will qualify for the final tournament in Saudi Arabia (January 7–25, 2026).
India’s Group H Opponents:
- Qatar: 2019 Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts, consistent contenders at the U23 level.
- Bahrain: Technically sound, physically robust; unpredictable but dangerous.
- Brunei Darussalam: India will be expected to win, but complacency could be costly.
India last reached the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals in 2020. Qualifying again would represent a significant milestone in AIFF’s mission to rebuild a robust youth pipeline.
Historical Head-to-Head Snapshot
- India vs Qatar (Senior):
- 2019 (Goa): 0–0 draw — one of India’s most celebrated results
- 2021 (Doha): 0–1 loss — narrow defeat in World Cup qualifier
- India vs Bahrain (Senior):
- 2001: India won 5–2 in Bangalore
- 2017: Lost 0–5 away in Riffa
- India vs Brunei:
- 2007: India won 1–0 in AFC Asian Cup qualifier
Encounters at U23 level are sparse, but India will need to be at their sharpest, especially against Qatar.
India’s U23 Tajikistan tour may not have produced a win, but it delivered something more critical—a reality check, key lessons, and tangible positives. The Blue Colts showed grit, glimpses of flair, and defensive improvement, but also exposed gaps in composure, game management, and finishing.
Coach Moosa and his staff now have a blueprint of what needs urgent attention before September. If harnessed correctly, this tour could prove to be a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block in India’s path back to the AFC U23 Asian Cup stage.
Follow us for exclusive Indian football coverage ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.
