Blue Tigresses arrive in Nairobi for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya with 22 players
Nairobi, April 7
The Indian senior women's team have arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, ahead of the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya, scheduled for the April FIFA International Women's Match Window.
According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Blue Tigresses will take on hosts Kenya in the semi-final on April 11 at 20:30 IST, while Australia and Malawi will play the other semi-final earlier on the same day at 16:30 IST.
The semi-final winners and losers will clash in the final and the third-place play-off, respectively, on April 15. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Crispin Chettri has been re-appointed as the head coach of the Indian women's national team. Chettri has named a 22-member squad for the friendly tournament. Sujata Kar, who won the AIFF Women's Coach of the Year award in 2025, has been appointed as the assistant coach. Fysal K Bapu has been appointed as the goalkeeping coach.
India's squad for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda.
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam.
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam.
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.
Head coach: Crispin ChettriAssistant coach: Sujata KarGoalkeeping coach: Fysal K Bapu
FIFA Series 2026 Kenya Match Schedule:
Semi-final 1 -- 16:30 IST, April 11: Australia vs MalawiSemi-final 2 -- 20:30 IST, April 11: Kenya vs IndiaThird-place match -- 16:30 IST, April 15Final -- 20:30 IST, April 15
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see women's football getting this exposure. Playing against teams like Australia will be a tough but valuable experience. Hope the broadcast is available on DD Sports or something accessible.
The timing is perfect for prime-time viewing in India. 8:30 PM semi-final means the whole family can watch. My daughters are already excited to see Pyari Xaxa play! Go girls!
As a football fan living in India, it's heartening to see the women's team get these international fixtures. The coaching staff seems strong. A respectful note though - I hope the federation provides proper long-term support, not just for tournaments.
Players from Manipur, Odisha, Tamil Nadu... truly a national team. Jai Hind! Let's support them wholeheartedly. The match against Kenya won't be easy, they are hosts after all.
So many talented names! Shreya Hooda in goal is solid. Wishing the team all the luck. Hope they get a good result and more people start following women's football back home. 🏆
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