Young Tigresses Seek Historic Victory in AFC U17 Qualifiers Opener
The U17 Indian women's team aims to end a 21-year drought by qualifying for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup via qualifiers for the first time. Their campaign begins against hosts Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek, with only the group winner advancing to the tournament in China in 2026.
- Country:
- Kyrgyzstan
In a bid to end a 21-year hiatus, the Indian U17 women's football team kicks off their AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026 Qualifiers campaign against the Kyrgyz Republic at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on Monday. The Young Tigresses are eyeing a rare qualification through the qualifiers, having last played in the tournament in 2005. Only the winner of Group G will advance to the 12-team finale in China.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, head coach Joakim Alexandersson expressed confidence in the team's preparation. "We've been in intense training camps in Bengaluru and Goa, participated in the SAFF U17 Women's Championship, and are well-prepared," he stated. The Indian squad, dominated by the SAFF championship-winning players, is looking to replicate their success in Bishkek.
Adjusting quickly to Bishkek's cooler climate, India arrived on October 7, giving them time to acclimatize. Alexandersson dismissed weather concerns, emphasizing the team's readiness. Meanwhile, their first opponents, Kyrgyz Republic, led by Spaniard Antonio Mesa, are braced for tightly-contested matches, with Mesa highlighting the significance of small details in determining the qualifiers' outcome.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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