AIFF confirm India U23 to play two friendlies against Indonesia in October FIFA Window

Moosa’s side is set to play Indonesia in Jakarta on October 10 and 13.

As revealed by Khel Now earlier, the India U23 men’s team will travel to Jakarta to play two friendly matches against Indonesia U23 on October 10 and 13, 2025.

Led by head coach Naushad Moosa, the Blue Colts have regrouped less than a month after narrowly missing out on a historic AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification, as they finished fifth in the rankings for the best second-placed teams (only the top four qualified) despite wins over Bahrain and Brunei Darussalam.

Like India, Indonesia also failed to qualify, suffering a 0-1 defeat to the Korea Republic in their last match and finishing as the 10th-best runners-up out of 11 groups.

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Both matches against Indonesia, being held during the October FIFA International Match Window, will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta, and will kick off at 18:30 IST.

India U23 football team have played four friendly matches earlier this season, travelling to Tajikistan in June to face the hosts and Kyrgyz Republic, followed by two games against Iraq in Malaysia in August.

Preparations and squad availability

The team will regroup in Bengaluru on October 3 for a short preparatory camp before flying to Indonesia on October 8 for the two international friendlies.

Moosa has made it clear that his focus is now on building towards the Asian Games, and competitive fixtures in FIFA windows are crucial for maintaining momentum. However, there are still challenges as AIFF officials negotiate with clubs to release players, with some reluctant due to pre-season commitments.

Also Read: Exclusive: Indian U23 football team to play two friendlies against Indonesia in October

Several members of the qualifying squad, including Mohammed Aimen and Vibin Mohanan, have returned after short stints with the senior team in the camp for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. However, players like Suhail, Pramveer, and Parthib Gogoi might make it to the final squad for the senior team’s fixtures against Singapore,

Others like Bikash Yumnam will also rejoin following illness. The staff is additionally scouting new faces such as Sumit Sharma, Korou Singh Thingujam, and Alan Saji to broaden the pool.

These matches against Indonesia hold importance not only as a preparation benchmark but also as an opportunity for emerging players to prove themselves ahead of a crucial year for Indian football.or Indian football.

India U23 schedule for friendlies in Jakarta

• October 10: Indonesia U23 vs India U23, Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium, Jakarta, 18:30 IST
• October 13: Indonesia U23 vs India U23, Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium, Jakarta, 18:30 IST

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