The India U23 men’s football team began their two-match international friendly series in Indonesia on a winning note, defeating the hosts 2–1 at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, October 10, 2025.
A superb first-half brace from Suhail Ahmad Bhat sealed a memorable victory for Naushad Moosa’s Blue Colts, who showcased both attacking flair and defensive composure to claim a deserved result against an energetic Indonesian side. All three goals came in the first 45 minutes Suhail struck early in the 5th and 26th minutes, while Dony Tri Pamungkas pulled one back for Indonesia shortly before half-time. The second half saw India defend with maturity and tactical control, keeping their one-goal advantage intact until the final whistle.
Electric Start in Jakarta
India, still rebuilding after their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign, entered the match eager to reassert their rhythm and intensity. From the opening whistle, Moosa’s side pressed high and forced mistakes, and it didn’t take long for that approach to bear fruit. In just the fifth minute, forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat capitalized on a misplaced pass by Indonesia’s Frengky Missa. Anticipating the loose ball, he intercepted smartly, surged into the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike that flew into the top corner a finish of pure confidence and precision that silenced the Jakarta crowd.
That early lead injected momentum into the Indian side. The midfield trio of Ayush Chhetri, Vibin Mohanan, and Harsh Palande took charge of possession phases, moving the ball swiftly to exploit spaces behind the Indonesian full-backs. In the 10th minute, India almost doubled the advantage when Muhammed Suhail cut inside from the left and squared the ball for Vibin, whose low shot was dramatically cleared off the line. Moments later, another attack saw Suhail’s low drive blocked and his follow-up effort forced a fine save from Indonesia’s Cahya Supriadi.
Suhail’s Second and a Statement of Intent
The second goal arrived in the 26th minute, and once again it was Suhail at the heart of it. A flowing move down the left saw Vibin send in a low cross to captain Ayush Chhetri, who cleverly laid it off for Suhail. The striker outmuscled his marker and thundered a strike past Supriadi into the top corner almost a mirror image of his opener.
The Blue Colts were in full control, their pressing coordinated and their transitions sharp. In the 29th minute, Korou Singh Thingujam came agonizingly close to extending the lead further, his right-footed strike from a corner crashing off the post. However, just when India seemed poised for a dominant first half, Indonesia found a lifeline in the 41st minute. Defender Dony Tri Pamungkas curled in a superb shot from the edge of the area, beating debutant goalkeeper Mohanraj K. It was a strike of high quality, but India still went into the break deservedly ahead at 2–1.
Second-Half Control and Defensive Discipline
Indonesia coach Indra Sjafri made multiple substitutions at the interval, introducing fresh legs to chase the game. But India’s defensive unit stood firm. Lalrinliana Hnamte, Vibin, and Dippendu Biswas coordinated well to block channels, while right-back Ricky Meetei Haobam continued to impress with his energy and overlapping runs. India had another clear chance in the 57th minute. Ricky delivered a perfectly weighted cross that found Suhail Bhat unmarked inside the box. The striker connected well but saw his header saved by the alert Supriadi.
From there, the Blue Colts focused on game management. Moosa’s tactical setup shifted into a compact 4-2-3-1, allowing India to absorb pressure while maintaining threat on the counter. Substitutions were well-timed Bekey Oram, Parthib Gogoi, and Mohammed Aimen added fresh legs in midfield and attack. Indonesia pushed forward relentlessly in the final 10 minutes, but the Indian backline, led by Harsh Palande and Ayush Chhetri, refused to crumble. Substitute goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan, who replaced Mohanraj in the 68th minute, remained largely untroubled as India saw out the final phase with maturity and discipline.
A Maturing Group Under Moosa
This win represents a significant step forward for Moosa’s young squad. After narrowly missing out on AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification, the team needed a confidence boost and this performance delivered exactly that. What stood out was not just Suhail’s finishing, but India’s structural evolution. The team displayed better control in midfield, sharper transitions, and improved organization in defensive recovery. Moosa’s emphasis on collective responsibility was evident throughout, as players supported each other in pressing and maintained discipline even under pressure.
In his post-match remarks, head coach Naushad Moosa said:
“It was a difficult game, but I really appreciate the boys. Everyone supported each other throughout. There’s still a lot to learn, but I had said before it wouldn’t be easy for Indonesia.”
The victory not only marked a tactical success but also showed that India’s developmental pathway at the U23 level continues to produce technically and mentally strong players capable of competing in tough away conditions. The night belonged to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, whose brace reflected both instinct and intelligence. His first goal came from anticipation, the second from sheer strength and precision traits that underline his growing maturity as a forward.
The second friendly between India and Indonesia will take place on Monday, October 13, again at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium, and will be streamed live on FanCode. For India, this win is more than a friendly triumph it is a marker of resilience and steady progress. With Suhail leading from the front and Moosa’s men displaying tactical maturity, the Blue Colts have shown they can compete with conviction and belief on foreign soil.
As the team continues its preparation cycle, performances like these underline the promise within India’s next generation one willing to learn, adapt, and rise to the occasion every time they step onto the pitch.
Final Score: 🇮🇩 Indonesia U23 1–2 India U23 🇮🇳
(Suhail Ahmad Bhat 5’, 26’; Dony Tri Pamungkas 41’)
