India U17 Women’s National Team Head Coach Joakim Alexandersson has officially named a 23-player squad for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. The matches will take place in Selayang, Malaysia, from October 5 to October 11, 2026.
With 11 returning players from the previous tournament’s squad, the Young Tigresses are aiming to secure back-to-back qualifications for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in the program’s history.
Group Stage & Match Schedule
Drawn into Group E alongside Iraq, Syria, and host country Malaysia, India must secure the top spot in the group to qualify for the final tournament. All group matches will be played at the MP Selayang Stadium:
* **October 5, 2026 (13:30 IST):** India vs. Iraq
* **October 8, 2026 (13:30 IST):** Syria vs. India
* **October 11, 2026 (18:30 IST):** India vs. Malaysia
Preparations and Friendlies
The squad began its training camp in Bengaluru in July before traveling to Tashkent for two friendly matches against Uzbekistan, both ending in goalless draws. Continuing their preparations in Goa, the team played two closed-door friendlies against the Philippines, recording a 2–4 defeat followed by a 2–0 victory.
“We have had very good preparations here in Goa, with a very good grass pitch and a good stay,” said Head Coach Joakim Alexandersson. “The games against the Philippines gave us a good picture of how we should start our qualifiers. They were a good opponent who really tested us in how we want to play.”
The 23-Player Squad
* **Goalkeepers:** Munni, Sanatombi Devi Irengbam, Sonam Ghosh
* **Defenders:** Abhista Basnett, Ambalika Chanu Khudongbam, Daina Devi Konthoujam, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam
* **Midfielders:** Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Monika Devi Wairokpam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey, Yashica Haribabu
* **Forwards:** Anushka Kumari, Deepika Kumari, Joya, Nidhi, Nira Chanu Longjam
**Coaching Staff:** Joakim Alexandersson (Head Coach), Anthony Andrews & Nivetha Ramadoss (Assistant Coaches), Fysal K Bapu (Goalkeeping Coach)
