India are just one round away from entering the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup for the first time as they announced their squad for the qualifiers. The second round matches of the qualifiers will be played in Buriram, Thailand while the main tournament will be hosted by Indonesia in 2024. The Young Tigresses broke new ground by topping their Round 1 group with wins over Myanmar and Kyrgyz Republic to make it to this stage.
The U17 Women’s team have been drawn with South Korea, Thailand and Iran in Group A of AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Round 2. The matches will be played in a single-leg round-robin format as well. The winners and the runners-up from each group will join the four directly qualified nations, Japan, North Korea, China and hosts Indonesia in the 2024 AFC U17 Asian Cup.
India’s Squad for AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualification Round 2
Goalkeepers: Anisha Oraon, Khushi Kumari, Khambi Chanu Sarangthem
Defenders: Heena Khatun, Vikshit Bara, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Akhila Rajan, Arya Anilkumar, Sonibia Devi Irom, Juhi Singh,
Midfielders: Lalita Boypai, Menaka Devi Lourembam, Babita Kumari, Shivani Toppo, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Remi Thokchom, Sulanjana Raul, Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam,
Forwards: Shilji Shaji, Pooja, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, Priya Chettri
Head coach: Priya PV
The big boost for the team is goal-scorer Shilji Shaji is part of the crucial qualifiers this time after missing the Round 1 in April due to illnesses. She won the golden boot in the SAFF U17 Women's Championship held earlier with eight goals and is a huge talent for the nation. The team held camp in Indore back in July with 33 players called up for the provisional list. From there a 23-member got shortlisted for the main squad on Thursday, 14th October 2023.
India's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers Round 2 Fixtures
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Korea Republic vs India (3 PM)
Thursday, 21 September 2023
India vs Thailand (7 PM)
Saturday, 23 September 2023
IR Iran vs India (3 PM)
