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India U17 Women's Football Team to Face Russia in Sochi Friendlies

The India U17 women's national team will play three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi in April 2026 as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup. Head coach Pamela Conti has selected a 23-player squad for the tour, which follows a successful training camp and recent friendly wins against Myanmar. The team aims to build momentum ahead of a challenging Asian Cup group stage featuring Australia, Japan, and Lebanon. The matches will be held at the Matsesta Football Centre with afternoon kick-offs.

Key Points: India U17 Women's Team Russia Friendlies in Sochi

  • Three friendlies in Sochi
  • Prep for AFC U17 Asian Cup
  • 23-player squad named
  • Coming off wins vs Myanmar
2 min read

India U17 women's team to play three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi

India U17 women's football team to play three friendlies vs Russia in Sochi, prepping for AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2026. Squad and schedule details.

"India displayed a composed and balanced performance, with solid defending... - Match Report"

New Delhi, April 7

The India U17 women's team will hold three friendly matches against Russia in Sochi on April 11, 14, and 17, 2026. Head coach Pamela Conti has selected a 23-player squad for these games.

All three matches will be played at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi, and will kick off at 14:30 IST.

The Young Tigresses, preparing for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026, arrived in Sochi late Monday night. Last month, they travelled to Yangon to play two friendly matches against the hosts, winning both (2-0 and 3-2). After returning, Conti's team continued their training camp in Bengaluru.

The team secured a confident 2-0 win over Myanmar in the first of two international friendlies. Pritika Barman starred with both goals, scoring just before halftime and again early in the second half. India displayed a composed and balanced performance, with solid defending led by Abhista Basnett and Elizabed Lakra, while goalkeeper Munni ensured a clean sheet.

After a competitive first half, India dominated the second half, controlling possession and tempo. They nearly added a third goal, hitting the crossbar, and comfortably closed out the match.

In the Asian Cup held in Suzhou, India will face Australia on May 2, Japan on May 5, and Lebanon on 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.

Coaching Staff:

Head coach- Pamela Conti

Assistant coaches- Vincenzo Conti and Nivetha Ramadoss

Goalkeeping coach- Mario Aguiar

Strength and conditioning coach- Amit Yadav

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Pritika Barman is on fire! Scoring a brace in the last match. Hope she continues her form in Sochi. The squad looks balanced. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
Good to see the AIFF arranging quality friendlies. Russia will be physically strong, but our technical game can win. The coaching staff with Pamela Conti seems very professional.
S
Sarah B
As a football fan living in India, it's inspiring to see the women's game get this kind of support. The future is bright! Best of luck to the entire team and staff.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the friendlies are good, I hope the focus remains on the Asian Cup group. Australia and Japan are football powerhouses. These matches must be used to build a solid game plan for that challenge.
N
Nisha Z
So many talented players from the Northeast! Elizabed, Alena, Julan... proud to see them representing India. Go girls, make us proud! 💪

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