How is Crispin Chettri's squad 'shaping up well' for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers?

Chiang Mai (Thailand), June 22 (NationPress) The Indian senior women's team is set to commence their AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers journey on Monday, aiming to etch new accomplishments in the 21st century after achieving three podium finishes in the previous Asian Women's Championship (runners-up in 1980 and 1983, and securing third place in 1981).

India, holding the 70th rank, will compete against Mongolia (ranked 126th) on June 23, Timor Leste (ranked 158th) on June 29, Iraq (ranked 173rd) on July 2, and the host nation Thailand (ranked 46th) on July 5, at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium.

Qualification for the final tournament in Australia, scheduled for March 2026, is exclusively available to the group winners. The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.

India has never faced Mongolia, Timor Leste, or Iraq before, apart from Thailand. Chettri mentioned, "We don't have much information about Mongolia, Timor Leste, and Iraq. They haven't played any matches recently. However, we do know a bit about Thailand, who played two matches against Nepal in the last window, one of which was behind closed doors."

During their friendlies against Uzbekistan, Chettri experimented with various combinations in midfield, involving players like Sangita (Basfore), Karthika (Angamuthu), Ratanbala (Nongmaithem), Grace (Dangmei), and Anju (Tamang).

Despite losing both friendlies 0-1 against Uzbekistan on May 30 and June 3, these matches were crucial for preparation ahead of the qualifiers. The Indian women's squad, training in Bengaluru since early May, arrived in Chiang Mai a week prior to their first game against Mongolia and has conducted four full training sessions, including an intra-squad match.

Chettri stated, "Arriving in Chiang Mai early has greatly assisted us in acclimatizing to the weather conditions and adjusting to the time difference. The weather here is somewhat more humid compared to Bengaluru. The training facilities are excellent, and we're making significant progress for the upcoming matches. We also played a complete 90-minute match among ourselves on Thursday."

With an average age of just 23.6 years, Chettri has assembled a relatively young squad filled with newcomers. However, experience is not lacking; for instance, Malavika is paired with Dangmei Grace, Priyadharshini with Anju Tamang, and Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi with Ngangbam Sweety Devi.

Chettri remarked, "We have a fantastic blend of youth and experience. Our 18-year-old goalkeeper Monalisha (Moirangthem) made her debut against Uzbekistan. I'm unafraid to field young players as this experience is vital for their development. Competing in such significant AFC matches will foster our growth."

He further emphasized, “Spending more than 45 days together has greatly enhanced their chemistry. Now, the focus is on translating this synergy onto the pitch. We are shifting our training emphasis to tactical details.”

Chettri concluded, "We have finished working on physical conditioning and are now concentrating on patterns and set pieces, whether defensive or offensive. Our understanding of the opponents will deepen as the qualifiers unfold."

AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers Group B Schedule:

June 23: Mongolia vs India (14:30 IST)

June 29: India vs Timor Leste (14:30 IST)

July 2: India vs Iraq (14:30 IST)

July 5: Thailand vs India (18:00 IST)

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

Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Moirangthem Monalisha Devi, Payal Basude.

Defenders: Hemam Shilky Devi, Kiran Pisda, Martina Thokchom, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Purnima Kumari, Sanju, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu.

Midfielders: Anju Tamang, Grace Dangmei, Karthika Angamuthu, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sangita Basfore.

Forwards: Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar, Soumya Guguloth.