SEO_DESC: Head coach Joakim Alexandersson announces 23-member India U17 women's squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Malaysia.

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India name 23-member squad for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially unveiled a 23-player roster for the Indian U17 women’s national team as they prepare for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. Head coach Joakim Alexandersson has selected a mix of seasoned talent and fresh faces to represent the Young Tigresses in Malaysia from October 5 to 11.

With 11 players from the previous tournament returning to the fold, India is aiming for a historic milestone: securing back-to-back qualifications for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time in the nation's history.

The Road to Qualification: Group E Challenges

India has been drawn into Group E, where the stakes are incredibly high. The tournament follows a strict format where only the group winners will secure a spot in the final tournament. The Young Tigresses will face a demanding schedule at the MP Selayang Stadium in Selayang:

• October 5: India vs Iraq
• October 8: India vs Syria
• October 11: India vs Malaysia (Hosts)

The squad is scheduled to touch down in Kuala Lumpur on October 2 to begin their final preparations before the opening whistle.

Rigorous Preparation and Recent Form

The team's journey to the qualifiers has been marked by intensive training camps and international exposure. Starting with a preparatory camp in Bengaluru this July, the squad traveled to Tashkent last month for two friendly matches against Uzbekistan, which ended in goalless draws.

Upon returning to India, the team moved their training base to Goa. During this period, they participated in two closed-door friendlies against the Philippines, yielding mixed results: a 2-4 defeat followed by a resilient 2-0 victory.

Reflecting on the training process, Head Coach Joakim Alexandersson expressed satisfaction with the setup in Goa. "We have had very good preparations here in Goa, with a very good grass pitch and a good stay," Alexandersson remarked. "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."

Official 23-Member Squad List

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

• Head Coach: Joakim Alexandersson
• Assistant Coaches: Anthony Andrews and Nivetha Ramadoss
• Goalkeeping Coach: Fysal K Bapu