India U23 look to build on recent success as they face Indonesia in friendly encounter

The two friendlies will be played on October 10 and 13.

After a historic AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign, the Indian U23 football team are keen on continuing the momentum. AIFF, in a laudable decision, has arranged friendlies, allowing Naushad Moosa to work more with the talented bunch of U23 players and hone their skills on the international stage.

India will face Indonesia in twin friendlies, the first of them scheduled for October 10. Both friendlies will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. The matches will kick off at 18:30 IST. Naushad Moosa recently announced a 23-member squad that has multiple names missing due to senior national team call-up.

The Stakes

India

For the Indian U23 boys, these two friendlies are a wonderful opportunity to gain more international exposure. The team had an impressive run in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, where they challenged sturdy West Asian sides like Qatar and Bahrain. Performance in the qualifying campaign earned nine players from the U23 team their call-up for the senior national team, with most of them receiving their maiden call-up.

The likes of Suhail, Sanan, Pramveer, Macarton Louis Nickson, and Bikash, among others, emerged as the stars. Macarton and Pramveer have also made their way into the final senior national team squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore. The friendlies against Indonesia will help other U23 players attract the attention of Khalid Jamil.

Indonesia

Indonesia, just like India, missed out on a spot in the AFC U23 Asian Cup. In the recently concluded qualifiers, Indonesia finished second in their group with four points. They had mixed returns as they put on a commendable performance against South Korea, losing only by a goal, but lost to Laos.

The upcoming friendlies will be a shot at redemption for the hosts. They will face a tricky side, and with Blue Colts in sublime form, it will be a challenging test. However, the home advantage will be a big boost for Indonesia, pushing them to go for a win.

Also Read: Naushad Moosa names 23-member squad for India U23 football team’s friendlies against Indonesia

Team News

India have all the players from the 23-member squad available for the game. Indonesia will have 26 players desperate to make their name.

Player to watch

Muhammed Suhail (India)

The poster boy of India’s AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign will again be under the spotlight. Suhail was also called up for the senior team. He could not make it to the final squad but has been kept as a standby. This announcement made it clear that Suhail is not far from wearing the senior national team jersey.

There will be expectations from Suhail to replicate what he did in the qualifiers. If Suhail is in the groove, the Indian right wing can become a graveyard for the Indonesian defenders. The Kerala lad will be desperate to register his name on the score sheet as goals in these two friendlies can take him to the senior national team.

Predicted Lineups

India

Dipesh Chauhan (GK), Ricky Meetei, Bikash Yumnam, Dippendu Biswas, Harsh Palande, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Vibin Mohanan, Muhammed Suhail, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Parthib Sundar Gogoi

Indonesia

Cahya Supriadi (GK), Mikael Tata, Dion Markx, Kadek Arel, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Zanadin Fariz, Arkhan Fikri, Rayhan Hannan, Rahmat Arjuna, Rafael Struick, Hokky Caraka

Where to watch India U23 vs Indonesia U23?

The match between India U23 and Indonesia U23 will be live-streamed on the FanCode app.

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