Football News

AIFF picks Naushad Moosa as head coach of India U-23 men’s national team

New Delhi: Former international Naushad Moosa was announced as the India U-23 men’s national team’s head coach on Tuesday after the All India Football Federation’s primary target Khalid Jamil declined the offer.

Jamil didn’t feel inclined to leave his existing contract with Jamshedpur FC, whom he has taken to the semi-finals in the Indian Super League and to Super Cup final.

It forced the AIFF to turn their attention to Moosa, who had coached the U-23 side in two friendly matches against Malaysia last year and has since served as assistant to Perdo Benali at reigning Durand Cup champions NorthEast United.

The former defender will take over from June 1 at a camp in Kolkata, with an eye on the 2026 Asian Games and will be in the dugout in Dushanbe in friendly games against Tajikistan on June 18 and Kyrgyz Republic on June 21.

After a two-week camp, the team will fly to Dushanbe on June 16 and return on June 22 as part of the AIFF’s plans to utilise FIFA international windows.

“The June games are very important in our journey toward the Asian Games and the AFC U23 Asian Cup. This is an opportunity to assess player responses under pressure, improve our tactics, and build stronger bonds within the team. Our goal is to be fully prepared for these major tournaments by testing ourselves against strong opposition,” Moosa said.

“Last year, we built a strong foundation, and the players showed real commitment. This year, we return with more experience, more hunger, and a few new faces who I believe will add great strength to the squad.”

The team will also participate in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers later in the year, the draw for which will be held on May 29 in Kuala Lumpur.

The AIFF also plans to arrange training camps in September, October, November and March for U-23 teams and play friendly against other Asian countries with a longer camp planned for the June 2026 international window.

• AIFF
• Indian Football