The recently concluded under-23 tri-nation championships didn’t go as expected for Naushad Moosa and the Blue Colts, as the India under-23 team went down against the Tajikistan under-23 team in the final match.
The tournament was full of mixed results for the India under-23 side as the Colts tried to put up an impressive performance but ended up losing the final 1-0 against Tajikistan. The tournament was held in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Blue Colts showcased tremendous grit to produce their A game in front of the fans at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Although the Blue Colts suffered a loss in the final against Tajikistan, Indian players scored the most goals in the entire tournament. Naushad Moosa and his side will surely take some positives from the tournament, except for the performance in the final.
Some Indian players showcased terrific performances, dominating the opposition with their clever footwork and their ability to outgun the opposition with a counterattacking style of play.
We look at the performances of three Indian players who performed impressively in the entire tournament:
1)Tomba Singh- The 22-year-old midfielder made his debut in the tournament and was one of the key figures in the midfield throughout the entire tournament. Tomba Singh was included as a substitute against Bhutan when the Blue Colts blanked the Bhutan under-23 team 5-0. The midfielder played a vital role in that game, showcasing his strengths to position himself in goal-scoring positions.
Tomba was clever with his footwork and managed to outsmart Bhutan’s defenders, creating goal-scoring chances especially in the second half. Tomba moved deep inside the opposition’s territory and made full use of his speed to produce accurate passes. He also scored his first goal in the second half. Tomba is an exciting talent, and his ability to play both offensively and defensively is quite amazing.
Tomba plays for Inter Kashi FC in the Indian Super League. Tomba’s intense game was one of the finest moments in the entire tournament. His ability to create chances during set-piece situations also set the pace in India’s favour.
2)Lalremtluanga Fanai-The 21-year-old plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League and already started the 2025-26 ISL season with the club on an impressive note. The midfielder carried forward the same rhythm with the Blue Colts in the under-23 Tri Nations Championships. He showcased brilliant footwork and was lightning-quick while attacking from the wings, especially against Bhutan.
Fanai was influential in the midfield, showcasing deft touches to convert short passes for creating scoring chances inside the box. His quick movements and swiftness were incredible in challenging playing conditions. He terrorised the Bhutan midfielders and defenders with his counterattacking runs. Unfortunately, He wasn’t included in the playing XI against Tajikistan in the final and was used as a substitute in the second half.
Fanai helped in creating chances in the second half with his ball-winning abilities, and his inclusion in the second half allowed the other midfielders to operate with energy and intensity. Fanai is also amongst the finest upcoming talents who is bound to attract the limelight with his playmaking skills in the future.
Fanai is amongst those emerging talents in Indian Football who can be promoted to the senior team if he is consistent with his performances and fitness in the long run.
3)Suhail Bhat- Suhail Bhat has emerged as one of the brightest strikers in the India under-23 set up, and the 20-year-old didn’t disappoint with some impressive performances. Bhat plays for Mohun Bagan in the ISL, but couldn’t play for the club when the 2025-26 season began.
Bhat showcased his poaching abilities as a striker, scoring two goals against Bhutan in the first game, helping the Blue Colts win the match 5-0. Bhat outclassed the Bhutan defenders with his speed and menacing attacks that took the Bhutan defence and midfield by surprise. Bhat looked threatening against Tajikistan defense showcasing his counterattacking skills, but wasn’t successful in finding the net.
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Bhat showcased solidity while creating chances during the run of play against Tajikistan, but Tajikistan’s defence was too strong to penetrate. Bhat is definitely amongst the most promising talents who can be a match-winner on his day and can surely reach new heights if he performs with the same level of consistency.
