India's U17 Women's Team Set for AFC Asian Cup Challenge in China

Arrival of India's U17 Women's Team for Asian Cup

The India U17 women's national football team has arrived in Suzhou, China, on Monday after a short training camp in Gurugram. This marks their first participation in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in 21 years. Their opening match is scheduled against Australia on May 2 at 17:00 IST on Pitch 8, followed by games against Japan on May 5 and Lebanon on May 8.

Match Details and Tournament Format

All matches will be held at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four winners of the quarter-finals will qualify for the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco in 2026. Fans can watch the tournament live on the AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel.

Training and Preparation

The Young Tigresses arrived in Suzhou early on April 27 and will conduct their first training session that evening. Under the guidance of Italian head coach Pamela Conti, who took charge in January, the team has been in continuous training for over three months, primarily in Bengaluru.

The U17 squad recently secured the SAFF U19 Women's Championship title in February and played two friendly matches against Myanmar in March. They also faced Russia in three friendlies earlier this month, gaining valuable experience despite losing all three matches. After returning from Russia, the team continued their training in Gurugram from April 20 to 26 before heading to China.

Squad and Match Schedule

Here is the 23-member squad representing India at the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026:

Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.

Defenders: Abhista Basnett, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.

Midfielders: Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey.

Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.

Head Coach: Pamela Conti

Assistant Coaches: Vincenzo Conti and Nivetha Ramadoss

Goalkeeping Coach: Mario Aguiar

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Amit Yadav

Upcoming Matches for India

Match Schedule:

1. May 2, 17:00 IST: Australia vs India (Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8)

2. May 5, 17:00 IST: India vs Japan (Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4)

3. May 8, 13:00 IST: India vs Lebanon (Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8)