India’s women’s U-17 football team, led by head coach Joakim Alexandersson, prepares for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, facing Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The squad aims to secure a spot in China
Hyderabad: India’s head coach for the women’s U-17 football team, Joakim Alexandersson, has named a 23-member squad for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers, set to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from October 13 to 17.
India has been placed in Group G, alongside hosts Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. The matches will be held at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, with kick-off times set for 18:30 IST. India’s opening game is against Kyrgyz Republic on October 13, followed by a crucial match against Uzbekistan on October 17. The winner of the group will qualify for the 12-team final tournament to be held in China next year.
After winning the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan in August, the Young Tigresses have continued their preparations with a training camp in Bengaluru, before shifting their base to Goa. The team will arrive in Bishkek on October 7, six days before their first match, allowing them to acclimatize to the cooler weather.
India’s Squad for AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Thameena Fathima
Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Joakim Alexandersson
Assistant Coach: Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeping Coach: Dipankar Choudhury
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Anugrah Suresh
India’s Match Schedule: October 13: Kyrgyz Republic vs India
October 17: India vs Uzbekistan
