India U23 Draw 0-0 Against Kyrgyz Republic in Friendly

Image Credit: AIFF

The India U23 men’s national team played out a goalless draw against Kyrgyz Republic at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan on Saturday. This was their second friendly of the tour, following a narrow 2–3 loss to the hosts Tajikistan earlier in the week.

Head coach Naushad Moosa made eight changes to the starting lineup from the last match, with only defenders Pramveer, Bikash Yumnam, and Abhishek Singh Tekcham keeping their spots. The reshuffled team took some time to find their rhythm, as Kyrgyz Republic looked more dangerous in the opening half-hour.

India gradually settled into the game and began creating chances before the break. Parthib Sundar Gogoi’s powerful effort in the 38th minute was parried away by Kyrgyz goalkeeper Chomoev Sultan. Minutes later, Gogoi tested the keeper again with a sharp free-kick at the near post.

Just before half-time, Vibin Mohanan picked out an unmarked Pramveer at the far post, but the defender’s header went over the bar.

In the second half, India made several substitutions, which helped them regain control. Macarton Louis Nickson and Suhail Ahmad Bhat linked up well in attack and troubled the Kyrgyz defence.

In the 69th minute, Suhail thought he had given India the lead after rounding the keeper and scoring, but the offside flag was up. Minutes later, Macarton set up another chance for himself with a clever one-two, but his shot went over the bar.

India goalkeeper Sahil was alert throughout and made a crucial save late in the match to deny Toktonaliev Nursultan.

India’s final chance came through Chingangbam Shivaldo, who got into the box thanks to a sharp pass from Macarton, but the Kyrgyz keeper held firm.

It was a balanced contest, and while India U23 draw 0-0, the match offered promising signs ahead of their AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the 2026 Asian Games.