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Key Points

Coach Joakim Alexandersson has selected India's 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualifiers. The team will compete in Group G against Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Bishkek starting October 13. India last appeared in this tournament back in 2005, making this a significant opportunity. The Young Tigresses are aiming to qualify for the continental stage for the first time through these qualifiers.

Key Points: Joakim Alexandersson Names India U17 Women's Asian Cup Squad

  • India faces Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in Group G qualifiers starting October 13
  • Eight group winners advance to join four automatic qualifiers
  • Team arrives in Bishkek early to acclimatize to cooler weather
  • India last participated in AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in 2005
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Joakim Alexandersson names 23-member squad for AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers

India U17 women's football team coach Joakim Alexandersson announces 23-member squad for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan starting October 13.

"The Young Tigresses will aim to script history by qualifying for the continental stage for the first time through the qualifiers - Article"

New Delhi, Oct 6

Indian U17 women's team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from October 13 to 17 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Placed in a three-team Group G, India will face the hosts Kyrgyzstan on October 13 and Uzbekistan on October 17. Both matches will be held at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.

The 27 teams are divided into eight groups — three of four teams each, and five of three. They will compete in the Qualifiers through a single round-robin centralised league format.

The eight group winners will advance to the 10th edition of the Finals, where they will be joined by the four AFC representatives from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 who have automatically qualified — DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic, and China — to form a 12-team line-up, four more than the previous edition.

After winning the SAFF U17 Women's Championship in Bhutan in August, the Young Tigresses continued their training camp in Bengaluru before relocating to Goa. They will arrive in Bishkek on Tuesday, October 7, six days before the first match, to acclimatise to the relatively cooler weather in Kyrgyzstan.

India last took part in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in 2005. The Young Tigresses will aim to script history by qualifying for the continental stage for the first time through the qualifiers.

India's 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Thameena Fathima.

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

Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Anita Dungdung, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Shveta Rani, Thandamoni Baskey.

Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Nira Chanu Longjam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.

Head coach: Joakim Alexandersson

Assistant coach: Nivetha Ramadoss

Goalkeeping coach: Dipankar Choudhury

Strength and conditioning coach: Anugrah Suresh

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the squad has been training in Bengaluru and Goa. The acclimatization period in Kyrgyzstan is crucial given the weather difference. Hope our girls adapt well and perform their best!
A
Ananya R
Notice how diverse our squad is - players from different states and backgrounds. This is the real strength of Indian women's football! Wishing them all the luck against Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. 🇮🇳
D
David E
As someone who follows women's football globally, I appreciate India's progress. The fact that they last participated in 2005 shows how far they've come. Hope they make it to the finals this time!
K
Karthik V
While I'm excited about the team, I wish there was more coverage and broadcasting of these qualifiers. Our women's teams deserve the same visibility as men's cricket gets. Hope AIFF arranges proper streaming.
S
Sarah B
The coaching staff looks experienced and international exposure will help these young players. Great to see women's football getting the attention it deserves in India. Go Young Tigresses! 🎯

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