India U23 go down fighting against Iraq U23 in friendly clash

The Indian U23 team is playing preparatory friendlies ahead of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The Indian U23 men’s team lost 1-2 against Iraq U23 in a closed-door friendly match at the UM Arena Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Mohammed Sanan scored the only goal for the Blue Colts in the 39th minute after Dhulfiqar Younus had handed Iraq the lead in the 36th. The majority of the match was evenly contested before Mustafa Nawaf Zai scored the winner for Iraq in the 72nd minute.

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

India to play Iraq again

India will play another closed-door friendly against Iraq on August 28 in Kuala Lumpur.

Coached by Naushad Moosa, India are preparing for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be held from September 3-9 in Doha, where the Blue Colts will face Bahrain (September 3), hosts Qatar (September 6), and Brunei Darussalam (September 9).

India’s Starting lineup against Iraq

India U23’s starting XI versus Iraq: Mohd Arbaz (GK), Bikash Yumnam (C), Pramveer, Muhammed Saheef, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Sanan, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Fanai Lalremtluanga, Sahil Harijan, Ricky Meetei Haobam.

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