
As the India U23 Men’s National Team prepares for two crucial friendly matches against Malaysia U23s, head coach Naushad Moosa emphasizes the significance of aligning the junior team’s strategy with the vision of the senior squad. Set to face Malaysia on March 22 and 25 in Kuala Lumpur, the Blue Colts are gearing up under Moosa’s guidance, aiming to synchronize their gameplay with the requirements of the senior team.
Moosa, a former India defender, stresses the importance of continuity in football development, where players seamlessly transition from the junior ranks to the senior squad. “It’s important for us to see what the senior team wants and play according to that. These are the boys who will ultimately go and play for the Senior Team,” Moosa highlights, underlining the strategic approach adopted by the coaching staff.
With a four-day training camp in Delhi preceding the friendlies, Moosa aims to instill a cohesive style of play within the team. “The most important thing for us at this stage is to give the boys an idea of the way we want to play so that they can execute that on the pitch,” he states, emphasizing the significance of tactical awareness and adaptability among the players.

Analyzing the strengths of the Malaysian team under Spanish coach Juan Torres Garrido, Moosa acknowledges the challenges posed by their attacking style of play. “They’ve got an attacking team that does not play too many passes in midfield. They like to move the ball quickly and take a lot of shots at the goal, so our boys must be careful. We must play in a compact manner against them,” he remarks, highlighting the need for defensive resilience and tactical discipline.
Reflecting on the past performances of both teams, Moosa acknowledges the mixed bag of results experienced by the India U23s last year. Despite setbacks in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the team showcased resilience by reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Games. Meanwhile, Malaysia demonstrated their potential with convincing victories in the qualifiers, indicating a formidable challenge for the upcoming friendlies.
As the India U23 squad comprises a mix of talented players across various positions, Moosa and his coaching staff have a pool of 26 probables to work with. From goalkeepers Arsh Anwer Shaikh and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill to forwards like Abdul Rabeeh and Gurkirat Singh, the team boasts depth and versatility, providing ample options for strategic adjustments based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

With the friendlies against Malaysia serving as crucial preparation ahead of future competitions, including the AFC U23 Asian Cup, Moosa and his team are focused on maximizing their potential while aligning their gameplay with the overarching objectives of Indian football. As the Blue Colts set their sights on victory in Kuala Lumpur, their commitment to collective effort and tactical cohesion remains paramount, reflecting the spirit of determination driving Indian football forward on the international stage.
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