Indian U-23 men’s team beats Indonesia U-23 2-1 in first friendly – The Away End

The Indian U-23 men’s football team defeated Indonesia 2-1 in the first of two U-23 international friendlies at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, October 10, 2025.

All the goals came in the first half, as Naushad Moosa’s side took an early lead with two goals thanks to an excellent brace from Suhail Ahmad Bhat (5′ and 26′), before Dony Tri Pamungkas pulled one back four minutes before half-time. After another intensely fought second half that yielded no goals, the Blue Colts claimed a well-deserved victory that underlined both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.

India made a lightning start and only took the lead in the fifth minute when Suhail Ahmad Bhat intercepted a loose pass from Frengky Missa, burst into the box and blasted a right-footed shot into the top corner.

Shocked by the opening goal, Indonesia were desperate for an equalizer but that left gaps that India did their best to exploit. In the tenth minute, Muhammed Suhail’s cutback caused all kinds of problems in the home team’s defense. The ball eventually fell to Vibin Mohanan, who struck hard but was denied by a goal-line clearance.

Md Suhail’s attack from the left was unstoppable when he cut inside in the 22nd minute, saw his low drive blocked by the defence, picked up the second ball and tried to smash it into the bottom corner, but goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi made a good save.

The second goal always came, and it came sooner or later: again from Suhail Bhat in the 26th minute. Vibin drilled a low cross from the left that landed at the feet of Ayush Chhetri. The captain slipped the ball to Suhail Bhat, who outwitted his marker, and launched another thunderbolt that bulged into the top corner of the net.

It could have been three if the woodwork had not come to Indonesia’s aid in the 29th minute. After Md Suhail brilliantly hurt the full-back, he set up Ayush, whose shot was well blocked. From the resulting corner, Korou Singh Thingujam struck the bottom of the post with a right foot.

However, Indonesia got a glimmer of hope when it halved the deficit in the 41st minute. Left back Dony Tri Pamungkas found some space on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a curler that found the top corner. Goalkeeper Mohanraj K, who made his debut for India in any age group, had no answer to that.

Hoping to complete their comeback, Indonesian head coach Indra Sjafri made six substitutions at half-time, but the Indian defense only became sharper and more effective. The second half was more reserved and chances were few and far between for both teams.

The Blue Colts had a great opportunity to extend their lead in the 57th minute. Right-back Ricky Meetei Haobam made a cross that landed perfectly on the ground for Suhail Bhat, who made a good connection with his head but aimed it straight at Supriadi’s gloves.

Naturally, Indonesia kept more of the ball in the latter stages. India were happy to let them chase them as they remained solid at the back. The hosts increased the pressure in the final ten minutes, but Moosa’s men were stern in defense and thwarted every attack. Substitute Dipesh Chauhan, making his India U23 debut, did not have to worry too much as India kept the 2-1 scoreline intact until the final whistle.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat received the Player of the Match award. In the post-match interview, he said: “We all came here with the intention of winning. We had a good performance in the AFC (U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers), but unfortunately we couldn’t qualify. Still, the hunger is there. We want to win more; this is just the beginning. I dedicate my goals to my teammates. They worked hard until the 90th minute. Of course, scoring feels good, but it’s all for the team.”

Indian head coach Naushad Moosa said: “It was a tough match but I really appreciate the boys. Everyone supported each other all the time. There are still a lot of things to learn. But yes, I said before that it wouldn’t be easy for Indonesia.”

India and Indonesia will meet again in the second friendly on Monday, October 13 at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. The match will be streamed live on FanCode.

India U23: Mohanraj K (GK) (Dipesh Chauhan 68′), Ricky Meetei Haobam, Lalrinliana Hnamte (Bekey Oram 46′) (Danny Meitei Laishram 88′), Vibin Mohanan, Suhail Ahmad Bhat Aimen 74′), Muhammed Suhail (Parthib Gogoi 68′), Harsh Palande, Ayush Chhetri (C), Muhammed Saheef, Dippendu Biswas, Korou Singh Thingujam (Thoi Singh Huidrom 46′).

AIFF media

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