India U23 camp struggles as 16 key players miss out with friendlies against Iraq lined up

15 players on trial as Naushad Moosa battles to assemble full squad ahead of crucial qualifiers

The India U23 men’s football team, set to face Qatar, Bahrain, and Brunei in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, is off to a rocky start in its preparation camp in Bengaluru. Head coach Naushad Moosa has been forced to run sessions without most of his first-choice squad.

From the team that played two friendlies in June against Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, only 10 players have reported for camp. To make up numbers, Moosa has called in 15 trialists, bringing the total training group to 25, including three goalkeepers, far from the ideal setup for a crucial qualification run.

“A total of 16 players from Punjab FC, Jamshedpur, Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United and FC Goa have not been released due to Durand Cup and ACL 2 commitments. Many of them would walk straight into the starting XI ,” a source told Khel Now.

Among those missing are FC Goa’s Ayush Chhetri, Sanatomba Singh and Alan Saji, who are expected to immediately join after Goa’s AFC Champions League 2 preliminary round clash with Al Seeb on 13 August 2025.

The 15 trialists, including talented players such as Sahil Harijan, Soham Varshneya, and Harsh Palande, are being assessed as possible replacements if required for the absent squad members.

“The U-23 team is likely to depart for Malaysia on 20 August for an exposure tour, where they will play two friendly matches against Iraq before heading to Qatar for the qualifiers”, added a source.

India’s schedule for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers is:

• 3 September – Bahrain
• 6 September – Qatar
• 9 September – Brunei

The competition also serves as the AFC’s pathway to the Olympics.

Frustration is already evident within the camp.

“If players don’t arrive soon, it will affect our performance in the qualifiers. We hope clubs at least release those who aren’t even getting minutes in the Durand Cup,” a senior AIFF official told Khel Now.

🚨 India U-23 camp update: Coach Naushad Moosa faces major challenges– 16 key players missing– 15 trialists incl. Sahil Harijjan– FCG Ayush Chhetri, Sanatomba Singh & Alan Saji to join on Aug 14– Friendlies against Iraq before AFC U-23 qualifiershttps://t.co/t6jVz7DPah

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 11, 2025

A history of uphill battles

India U-23 have won just seven of their 18 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifier matches since 2014. Their Asian Games record is also modest — nine losses in 16 games since 2002. In 2018, the side was not sent at all due to disputes with the Indian Olympic Association. In 2022, a last-minute push from AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey allowed participation.

In June this year, India lost 3–2 to Tajikistan and drew 1–1 with the Kyrgyz Republic, 16 members from that squad are now absent from Moosa’s current training sessions.

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