India announced a 23-member squad for the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers in Malaysia. The team starts its campaign against Iraq on October 5. Coach Joakim Alexandersson said, "The games against the Philippines gave us a good picture of how we should start our qualifiers." They aim for success.
India U17 women's national team head coach Joakim Alexandersson has announced a 23-player squad for the AFC Under-17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11, 2026.
With 11 players from the previous edition's squad returning, India will aim to secure back-to-back AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup qualifications for the first time.
India has been placed in Group E and will begin its campaign against Iraq on October 5.
The Young Tigresses will face Syria on October 8 before taking on host Malaysia on October 11. Only the group winners will qualify for the final tournament. All matches will be played at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang, with the team scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on October 2.
India began its preparatory camp in Bengaluru in July, followed by a Tashkent trip last month, where it played two friendlies -- both goalless draws -- against Uzbekistan.
Returning to India, the team continued its preparations in Goa and hosted two closed-door friendlies against Philippines, recording a defeat (2-4) and a victory (2-0).
Head Coach Alexandersson said, "We have had very good preparations here in Goa, with a very good grass pitch and a good stay. 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."
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