The India U23 men's team is gearing up for a double-header friendly clash against Indonesia U23 in Jakarta on October 10 and 13, 2025. These matches are significant for the Blue Colts as they aim to build momentum and prepare for future international competitions.
Match Details
Both friendly matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. The matches are scheduled to kick off at 18:30 IST.
Background and Preparation
Led by head coach Naushad Moosa, the India U23 team has regrouped following their narrow miss in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification. Despite securing wins against Bahrain and Brunei Darussalam, they finished fifth in the rankings for the best second-placed teams, just outside the qualification spots. Indonesia also failed to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup, finishing as the 10th-best runners-up after a 0-1 defeat to Korea Republic.
The team assembled in Bengaluru on October 3 for a short camp before flying to Indonesia on October 8 and will return to India on October 14. AIFF officials are in discussion with clubs to ensure player availability for the camp.
Significance of the Friendlies
These friendly matches fall within the FIFA International Match Window, providing a valuable opportunity for the team to gain competitive experience. According to head coach Naushad Moosa, these matches are crucial for the team's preparation for the Asian Games. He emphasized the importance of playing against strong teams to build a competitive edge, referencing the positive impact of previous friendlies against Iraq, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyz Republic during the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previous Friendlies
Prior to the upcoming matches against Indonesia, the India U23 team has already participated in four friendly matches this season. In June 2025, they traveled to Tajikistan to face the hosts and Kyrgyz Republic. This was followed by two games against Iraq in Malaysia in August.
Indonesia's Preparation
Indonesia has called up 32 players to prepare for the 2025 SEA Games and the friendly matches against India.
These upcoming friendly matches in Jakarta are a valuable opportunity for the India U23 team to fine-tune their strategies, build team cohesion, and gain crucial match experience as they set their sights on future international tournaments.
