SportsPosted at: Jun 22 2025 12:32PM


India, Kyrgyz Republic play out a stalemate in U23 friendly

Dushanbe, June 22 (UNI) The India U23 national team played a goalless draw against Kyrgyz Republic at the Hisor Central Stadium here in Tajikistan.
The Blue Colts had travelled to Tajikistan to play two friendly matches, the first of which they lost 2-3 against the hosts, as part of their preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers later this year, and the Asian Games in 2026.
Head coach Naushad Moosa made eight changes to his starting XI from the game against Tajikistan on Saturday, with only defenders Pramveer, Bikash Yumnam, and Abhishek Singh Tekcham retaining their place.
Despite the changes, Kyrgyz Republic looked the livelier of the two teams for a good part of the first half an hour, while India tried to create the off-chances through their quick wingers.
Resolute not to give up, the Blue Colts clawed their way back and slowly found the momentum they were looking for as half-time ticked closer. Calmer and more composed on the ball, India finally began to create chances.
Parthib Sundar Gogoi had a vicious shot saved in the 38th minute, and six minutes later, worried the Kyrgyz defence once again, when he swung a low free-kick at the near post, which made Kyrgyz Republic keeper Chomoev Sultan produce a diving save.
Another opportunity went begging just a minute before the break, when Vibin Mohanan found an unmarked Pramveer at the far post. The centre-back’s header, however, went over the crossbar.
As the match restarted, India coach Moosa made a number of changes in the second half. However, Kyrgyz Republic started the better team again, while India took time to find their old momentum again.
As time wore on, substitute Macarton Louis Nickson began to dictate terms in the middle, and his link-up play with Suhail Ahmad Bhat seemed to have the Kyrgyz Republic defence on the back
foot.
Bhat thought he had put India in the lead in the 69th minute, when he was put through behind the defence by Macarton. While the former expertly cut past the keeper and found the back of the net,
he had been flagged offside.
A minute later, Kyrgyz Republic Ermekov Baibol tested Sahil with a long-range effort, but the India goalkeeper collected it with ease.
Macarton and Suhail combined again with 12 minutes of regulation time left. A one-two at the edge of the box created some space for the former to shoot, but he shot over the cross-bar.
Sahil produced a last-ditch diving save to keep Toktonaliev Nursultan out. Chingangbam Shivaldo had India’s last chance of the match after Macarton played him into the box. However, it was saved.
India: Sahil (gk), Nikhil Barla (Dipendu Biswas 46’), Pramveer, Bikash Yumnam (c), Korou Singh Thingujan (Mohammed Sanan 46’), Parthib Sundar Gogoi (Joseph Sunny 46’, Suhail Ahmad Bhat 67’), Vibin Mohanan (Macarton Louis Nickson 46’), Lalremtluanga Fanai, Mohammed Aimen (Vinith Venkatesh 87’), Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Chingangbam Shivaldo.
UNI BM
Tags: #India# Kyrgyz Republic play out a stalemate in U23 friendly
More News
Eng fall just short of India’s total

Eng fall just short of India’s total

22 Jun 2025 | 9:13 PM

Leeds, June 22 (UNI) Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive spell brought India back into the contest, but England managed to cut the deficit to just six runs at tea on Day 3 of the first Test at Headingley on Sunday.

see more..
Asian Championship para Badminton Thailand 2025: India secures 27 medals

Asian Championship para Badminton Thailand 2025: India secures 27 medals

22 Jun 2025 | 7:50 PM

Korat(Thailand), Jun 22 (UNI) The Indian contingent ensured that the tricolour flies high in Thailand at the Asian Championship para Badminton Thailand 2025 as they secured a rich haul of 27 medals.

see more..
Brook's unbeaten innings keeps Eng afloat on Day 3 lunch

Brook's unbeaten innings keeps Eng afloat on Day 3 lunch

22 Jun 2025 | 6:16 PM

Leeds, Jun 22 (UNI) Harry Brook led England's spirited reply with an unbeaten half-century as the hosts reached 327 for 5 at lunch on Day 3 of the first Test against India at Headingley on Sunday.

see more..
Happy that martial arts is fast becoming popular in India: Rodali Barua

Happy that martial arts is fast becoming popular in India: Rodali Barua

22 Jun 2025 | 6:06 PM

New Delhi, Jun 22 (UNI) Asian Taekwondo Championships 2024 bronze medallist Rodali Barua said on Sunday that the popularity of martial arts is growing fast in India and the talented sportspersons were benefitting from the improved facilities, thanks to the support extended by the governments, mainly in the north eastern states.

see more..
Seychelles National Day Boxing Tournament: Six Indian pugilists reach finals

Seychelles National Day Boxing Tournament: Six Indian pugilists reach finals

22 Jun 2025 | 6:04 PM

Mahe, Jun 22(UNI) Six Indian boxers will compete for gold at the Seychelles National Day Boxing Tournament 2025 on Sunday, following a series of strong semifinal performances at the Paradise Arena in Mahe.

see more..