Joakim Alexandersson names 23-player India U17 squad for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Malaysia

Joakim Alexandersson has named a 23-player India U17 women’s squad for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers to be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11, 2026. The announcement covers the team that will contest the group stage in Malaysia during that window.

Eleven players from the previous edition’s squad are included, with the Young Tigresses aiming to secure back-to-back AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifications for the first time. India have been drawn in Group E and will open their campaign against Iraq on October 5, face Syria on October 8 and meet hosts Malaysia on October 11. Only the group winners will qualify for the final tournament.

Preparations began with a training camp in Bengaluru in July, followed by a trip to Tashkent last month where India played two friendlies that ended 0-0 against Uzbekistan. On returning to India the side continued work in Goa and staged two closed-door friendlies against the Philippines, recording a 2-4 defeat and a 2-0 victory.

The 23-player list includes goalkeepers Munni, Sanatombi Devi Irengbam and Sonam Ghosh. Defenders are Abhista Basnett, Ambalika Chanu Khudongbam, Daina Devi Konthoujam, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik and Taniya Devi Tonambam. Midfield selections are Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Monika Devi Wairokpam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey and Yashica Haribabu, while forwards are Anushka Kumari, Deepika Kumari, Joya, Nidhi and Nira Chanu Longjam. The coaching staff listed are head coach Joakim Alexandersson, assistant coaches Anthony Andrews and Nivetha Ramadoss, and goalkeeping coach Fysal K Bapu.

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."

The team will reach Kuala Lumpur on October 2 and all group matches will be played at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang. India’s schedule at the MP Selayang Stadium is: 13:30 IST, October 5, 2026 — India vs Iraq; 13:30 IST, October 8, 2026 — Syria vs India; 18:30 IST, October 11, 2026 — India vs Malaysia.