The Indian men’s U23 football team is all set to kick off their journey in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. On September 3, they will face Bahrain at the Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. This match marks India’s first attempt to qualify for the prestigious AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2026.
Led by head coach Naushad Moosa, the Blue Colts are determined to make history. India has never advanced past the qualifiers before, but this time, they are ready to break that streak. Their goal is clear: win the group and earn a spot in the final tournament in January 2026. The other teams in Group H are host nation Qatar and Brunei Darussalam. The top group winner and the four best runners-up across all groups will advance to the main event.
In a recent press conference, Coach Moosa shared his thoughts on the upcoming matches. “I don’t believe any team is ‘big’. Respect every opponent, and prepare well,” he said. “We’ve studied Bahrain’s previous games, and we know Qatar will be a tough side when they play tomorrow. We’re ready and excited for the challenge.”
The Indian team has been preparing with friendly matches and training camps. They played warm-up friendlies in Tajikistan, ending with a close draw and a narrow loss. In August, they had a 20-day camp in Bengaluru, focusing on fitness and tactics. Just before flying to Qatar, they played two more friendly matches in Malaysia against Iraq. Despite tough results, Coach Moosa is pleased with their progress. “The team played well under tough conditions. We’re mentally and physically ready for Bahrain,” he added.
Moosa also praised Bahrain’s team. “They attack strongly, defend well, and play with high intensity. It’s going to be a competitive game,” he said. Bahrain’s head coach, Ali Abdulmajed, acknowledged India’s quality players too. “It’s a 50-50 match. If Bahrain can handle India’s strengths, we’ll have a good chance,” he commented.
The Indian team arrived in Doha four days before the match, adjusting to the hot weather that reaches up to 43°C during the day. Coach Moosa said they’re working hard to adapt. “It’s hot and humid, but we’re training in the mornings and getting used to the conditions. The facilities here are excellent, and we’re eager to play,” he explained.
Captain Bikash Yumnam emphasized the importance of the first game. “It’s crucial for building confidence and earning points early on,” he said. “We’ve prepared hard over the past few weeks, and we’re ready to give our best and make a strong start.”
This AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifier is a big step for Indian football. The young players see this as a great opportunity to grow, showcase their talent, and hopefully qualify for the tournament. Fans are eager to see if India can make history in Qatar and step closer to the main event in Saudi Arabia.
