The Blue Colts camped in Kolkata from November 7, before flying to Thailand on November 13 for the friendly. Head coach Naushad Moosa has named a number of newbies in his squad of 23 players. With as many as 10 new faces in the team, Moosa is looking to use this friendly as an opportunity to widen the pool of players at the U23 level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Head coach Naushad Moosa said, \u201cWe\u2019ve got a few days\u2019 camp, and that was important, especially because we\u2019ve got 10 new players in the team, many of them young. Right now, it\u2019s important for us to understand their mentality and overall approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI found them really good. They\u2019ve been performing well and executing whatever we planned,\u201d said Moosa. \u201cI\u2019m satisfied with how the boys are picking up things. It is essential for us to develop a pool of 50-60 players over the next few years.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In order to further develop the team for the future, Moosa revealed his plans to afford opportunities to a number of players in Thailand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhenever we play friendlies, I try to give everyone equal playing time, so they may perform and prove themselves. We need to start strong and see how things go from there. I also have three goalkeepers, and I want to give sufficient time to each,\u201d said Moosa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Thailand U23s had, earlier this year, finished third in the ASEAN U23 Championship in Indonesia, and are on their preparation path towards the SEA Games and the AFC U23 Asian Cup next year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have seen a few of their matches, and they will be a difficult prospect to deal with. We have to be quick and alert throughout the game, and we\u2019ve trained likewise,\u201d said Moosa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The AIFF has taken the responsibility of preparing the India U23s for the Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, next year, and to that extent, has been arranging for friendly matches for the Blue Colts during every FIFA International window. In the October window, the Blue Colts played two friendly matches against Indonesia U23s, winning the first match 2-1 and drawing the second 1-1.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThese friendlies are helping a lot. We\u2019re getting good matches. Indonesia were a strong team, and we had many new players there as well. These camps help us understand the players\u2019 mentality and how much they can give,\u201d said Moosa. \u201cThe players also understand how important this phase is for Indian football, and how crucial these results could prove to be.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen we had started out, they were not really sure how things would go. But now when I see them training, their body language shows their confidence. The spirit is what we want \u2013 to face any team without fear and fight,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The match will kick off at 15:30 IST.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squad:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Dipesh Chauhan, Kamaludheen AK, Mohanraj K.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defenders: Harsh Palande, Joseph Justin, Raj Basfore, Ronney Kharbudon, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Yaipharemba Chingakham.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Dipesh Chauhan, Kamaludheen AK, Mohanraj K.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forwards: Alan Saji, Korou Singh Thingujam, Lalthankima, Rahul Raju, Thoi Singh Huidrom.<\/p>\r\n\r\n