India vs Bahrain: How should Indian U23 team line up for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers?

India will play their first match in the qualifiers against Bahrain on September 3.

The Indian U23 team is set to start its journey towards a dream qualification to the AFC U23 Asian Cup. Their first challenge in the qualifiers will be Bahrain. On September 3, India U23 will lock horns with the West Asian side in Doha, Qatar.

Naushad Moosa will lead a depleted side with some key youngsters missing, but he still has a talented team at his disposal. After playing two friendlies against Iraq, India will be more confident in their preparations. In this article, we will look into the predicted starting XI against Bahrain.

Also Read: Naushad Moosa announces India U23 squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U23 Predicted XI vs Bahrain

Sahil (GK)

Sahil is expected to start between the sticks for India U23 against Bahrain in the opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifier match. Alongside Mohd Arbaz, he is one of the main contenders to start as the goalkeeper, with Sahil being the favourite to take the spot on September 3.

Ricky Meetei

The Bengaluru FC youngster might play against Bahrain as the right back. Rickey Meetei has also played in Durand Cup for Bengaluru FC reserves, gaining important minutes at the highest level.

Pramveer

Pramveer is one of the sure starters for Naushad Moosa’s team. He has made great strides in his career recently with Punjab FC. In the recently concluded Durand Cup, he played a couple of matches and scored a goal as well. As a centre back, he will have to be resilient to keep India’s goal impregnable.

Bikash Yumnam

There is no doubt about this man’s place in the starting XI. The captain of the U23 side, Bikash Yumnam, will occupy his space in the central defense alongside Pramveer. For India to have a chance of qualifying for the AFC U23 Asian Cup, Yumnam’s contribution will be vital.

Muhammed Saheef

At the age of 21, Saheef played a full I-League season as the first-choice left back for Gokulam Kerala FC. This stat is enough to vouch for the potential of this youngster. The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers will be an opportunity for him to prove his potential on the international stage.

Lalrinliana Hnamte

Lalrinliana Hnamte might start in the three-man midfield for India U23 against Bahrain. In the 2024/25 season, Hnamte played an impressive 22 matches for Chennaiyin FC. His versatility in the field is a great asset to have for any manager.

Lalremtluanga Fanai

The Bengaluru FC midfielder will be crucial for India in the defensive midfield. Naushad Moosa will rely on Lalremtluanga Fanai to thwart the opposition’s plans in the centre of the park. For India to gain control in the midfield, Fanai will have to be at his best.

Macarton Louis Nickson

Fresh off a victorious Durand Cup campaign, Macarton Luis Nickson is an important cog in the wheel for the Young Colts. The NorthEast United FC midfielder has made many take note of his brilliance in the midfield with recent exploits for the defending Durand Cup champions. The Indian fans would expect Macarton to play a crucial role in the qualifiers.

Muhammad Suhail

The young Punjab FC forward can receive a look-in from the coach. Suhail might start on the right wing for India. He has made his mark in the last couple of seasons. The pacy winger can take on defenders and put in dangerous deliveries in the box. India will require his services to break Bahrain’s tricky defense.

Parthib Gogoi

When one of the most lethal strikers in the Indian Super League offers a youngster the shoe-shining celebration after he scores a goal, he must be a special player. Indeed, Parthib Gogoi is a special player. The youngster will have to live up to the expectations in the qualifiers, starting from the match against Bahrain.

Mohammed Sanan

On the left wing, Mohammaed Sanan will be the go-to man for Naushad Moosa. The Jamshedpur FC young sensation has shown in the last two ISL seasons that he can play at the top level. His creativity and ability to take on defenders make him a tough nut to crack for opponents.

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