AIFF: India U17 women's team to play three friendly games against Russia in Sochi
New Delhi, April 7
The India U17 women's team will play three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi on April 11, 14 and 17, 2026. Head coach Pamela Conti has named a 23-member squad for the tour.
According to AIFF, all three matches will be played at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi, and will kick off at 14:30 IST.
The Young Tigresses, who are preparing for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026, reached Sochi late on Monday night, April 6. Last month, they travelled to Yangon to play two friendly matches against the hosts, winning both (2-0 and 3-2). Following their return, Conti's side continued their training camp in Bengaluru.
In the Asian Cup in Suzhou, India will take on Australia (May 2), Japan (May 5) and Lebanon (May 8) in Group B.
India U17 women's 23-member squad for Russia friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Munni, Shelna Maria Sajit, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.
Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey.
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.
Head coach: Pamela ContiAssistant coaches: Vincenzo Conti and Nivetha RamadossGoalkeeping coach: Mario AguiarStrength and conditioning coach: Amit Yadav
Match schedule:14:30 IST, April 11: Russia vs India14:30 IST, April 14: Russia vs India14:30 IST, April 17: Russia vs India
Venue: Matsesta Football Centre, Sochi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see AIFF arranging quality friendlies. The squad looks balanced. Hope they learn from these matches, especially against physical teams. Tough group in the Asian Cup with Australia and Japan.
Sochi is a beautiful place for a football tour. Wishing the team safe travels and good health. The match timings are perfect for us to watch from India! 2:30 PM IST.
Interesting choice of opponent given the global situation. While the sporting aspect is important, I hope the federation is also considering the diplomatic optics of this tour. The focus should purely be on the girls' development.
Coach Pamela Conti seems to be building a strong team culture. Winning both friendlies in Myanmar is a good sign. Let's go, girls! Make us proud. #IndianFootball
Love seeing the diversity in the squad names – from the North East to Goa. This is the real India on the football pitch. Best of luck to every single player!
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