Sonam Ghosh Selected for India's U-17 Squad in AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers
Sonam Ghosh's Remarkable Achievement
Sonam Ghosh, the goalkeeper from Zinc Football Academy (ZFA), has reached a significant milestone in her budding career by being chosen for India's 23-member U-17 squad for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers set for China in 2027. The 15-year-old athlete was included in the lineup announced by head coach Joakim Alexandersson, as the Young Tigresses aim to qualify for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup for the second consecutive time.
Details of the AFC Qualifiers
India has been placed in Group E and will kick off their qualification journey against Iraq on October 5. Following that, they will face Syria on October 8 and host nation Malaysia on October 11. All matches are scheduled to take place at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, Malaysia, with the Young Tigresses arriving in Kuala Lumpur on October 2. Only the top team from the group will progress to the final tournament.
Sonam's Journey to Success
Sonam's selection follows a standout season where she has proven herself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in India, emerging from ZFA's unique girls' program. Earlier this year, she played a crucial role in ZFA's successful run in the Rajasthan Senior Women’s League and was part of the team that reached the semi-finals of the inaugural AIFF U-17 Women’s Youth League.
The young goalkeeper has participated in several India U-17 camps and was part of the squad that traveled to Tashkent last month for two international friendlies against Uzbekistan. The Young Tigresses also hosted two closed-door friendlies against the Philippines national team.
For Sonam, this latest selection signifies a major step in her journey that began with ZFA's first girls' batch launched in 2025. Originating from Arambagh in West Bengal, she joined ZFA's residential girls' program and has made swift progress over the past year, transitioning from academy football to representing her country on an international stage.
A Dream Realized
Her journey exemplifies the opportunities created through ZFA's girls' program, which provides young athletes with structured football training, formal education, accommodation, and holistic development. Reflecting on her experience, Sonam expressed, "Representing India is a dream I have always cherished, and I’m incredibly grateful to Hindustan Zinc for giving me the opportunity to begin my journey at the ZFA Academy. The academy provided me with the right environment, guidance, and belief to grow as a footballer. Wearing the India jersey today is a proud moment, and I hope my journey inspires many more young girls to dream big and believe that anything is possible with hard work and the right support."
The Impact of Zinc Football Academy
With Sonam set to represent India in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, her journey marks another achievement in the rapid development of ZFA’s girls' football program. This reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to creating pathways for young girls to excel in football at the highest levels.
Since its establishment in 2018, Zinc Football Academy, which holds an AIFF 3-star rating, has consistently produced players for India’s age-group teams, enhancing the nation’s talent pool. Alongside goalkeeper Rajrup Sarkar, ZFA players Sahil Poonia, Prem Hansdak, and Mohammed Kaif have also represented India, highlighting the academy’s ongoing dedication to the growth of Indian football. In 2025, the organization launched India’s first residential football academy for girls, welcoming an inaugural batch of 20 girls from rural backgrounds.