Who is in Joakim Alexandersson's 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian U17 women's team, under the guidance of Joakim Alexandersson, gears up for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan. Discover the squad and their aspirations to qualify for the finals, making history as they aim for their first appearance since 2005.
Key Takeaways
- Joakim Alexandersson has selected a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers.
- India is placed in a competitive Group G along with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
- The matches will take place from October 13 to 17 at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.
- The Young Tigresses aim to qualify for the finals for the first time since 2005.
- The team has been training rigorously post their victory in the SAFF U17 Women's Championship.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The head coach of the Indian U17 women's team, Joakim Alexandersson, has announced a squad of 23 players for the qualifiers of the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. This tournament is set to occur from October 13 to 17 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
India finds itself in a competitive three-team Group G, where they will take on the host team, Kyrgyzstan, on October 13, followed by a match against Uzbekistan on October 17. Both matches are scheduled to be played at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.
A total of 27 teams are participating in this tournament, categorized into eight groups: three consisting of four teams and five with three teams. The format will follow a single round-robin style.
The winners from each of the eight groups will move on to the 10th edition of the Finals, joining four teams from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025 that have qualified directly — including DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic, and China. This will create a robust 12-team lineup, an increase from the previous edition.
After securing victory at the SAFF U17 Women's Championship in Bhutan this past August, the Young Tigresses have been in training camps, first in Bengaluru and now in Goa. They are set to arrive in Bishkek on October 7, just six days before their opening match, to adjust to the cooler climate.
Notably, India last participated in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup back in 2005. The Young Tigresses are determined to make history by qualifying for the continental stage for the first time through this qualifier.
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
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of this opportunity for the Indian U17 women’s team. Their journey in the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers not only showcases their talent but also highlights the evolution of women's football in India. With a rich history and determination, we stand with them as they strive for excellence on an international stage.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers take place?
The qualifiers are scheduled from October 13 to 17 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
How many teams are participating in the qualifiers?
A total of 27 teams are divided into eight groups for the qualifiers.
Who is the head coach of the Indian U17 women's team?
The head coach is Joakim Alexandersson.
What is the format of the qualifier matches?
The qualifiers will be held in a single round-robin format.
When did India last participate in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup?
India last participated in the tournament in 2005.
