India vs Nepal Live: Watch SAFF U19 Women's Championship Live in India

India U17 Women set for tough SAFF U19 test as Pamela Conti eyes long-term gains.

The India U17 Women’s team is gearing up for a unique test as they compete in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship in Pokhara, Nepal. Taking on opponents who are older and physically stronger, the tournament offers invaluable exposure for the young side and serves as a key steppingstone in their build-up to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup later this year. India is set to take on Nepal in a mouthwatering clash which can be very important for the campaign ahead.

This is also a challenge for the newly appointed Italian head coach Pamela Conti as she gets ready for her first challenge ahead of AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. At the pre-competition press conference, Conti expressed her excitement ahead of her first tournament with the Young Tigresses.

“We are happy to be here in Nepal. I’ve been with the team for almost a week now, and we’ve had good training in Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh). We have a young squad as we are U17, and we’ll compete against older girls. More than the tournament itself, these games are a chance to assess ourselves and prepare for the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers,” said Pamela Conti

Talking about the first game against Nepal, Conti said, “The first game of the tournament is always important. We will be playing against the home team. But yes, we have confidence in ourselves. We are trying to incorporate a more European style in our play and use the best of our abilities.”

India U17 captain Julan Nongmaithem, who lifted the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 title in her first international tournament last year in Bhutan, carried similar energy ahead of the SAFF U19 campaign. 

“We have all prepared well in our camp. Our team is supporting and cooperating with each other. We want to play good football and will try our best to win this tournament,” said captain Julan.

The Challenge Ahead

The Indian U17 women’s team walks into the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship knowing it won’t be a comfortable ride. Lining up against older and physically stronger opponents, the youngsters will be pushed out of their comfort zone from the very first whistle. It’s a challenge that tests more than just footballing ability, it demands maturity, composure, and the courage to compete against players with greater match experience.

For head coach Pamela Conti, this is exactly the kind of test her side needs at this stage of their journey. The Italian believes that playing against U19 teams will help her players understand the physical and mental demands of international football. Under her guidance, the focus is on learning to cope with higher intensity, quicker transitions and smarter game management, lessons that can’t be taught on the training ground alone.

Results, therefore, are not the only measure of success. The SAFF campaign offers Conti a clear picture of her squad’s progress while giving the players a chance to grow through real competition. For India’s U17 women, every match is an opportunity to gain confidence, adapt and take another step forward on the road to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.

Predicted Lineups

India U19 (4-2-3-1)

Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Alisha Lyndoh, Julan Nongmaithem, Alena Devi, Abhista Basnett, Thandamoni Baskey, Anita Dundung, Anushka Kumari, Valaina Fernandes, Pearl Fernandes

Nepal U19 (4-2-3-1)

Juna Tamang (GK), Maya Maskey, Min Maya Shrestha, Salkoni Chaudhary, Ashika Karki, Senu Pariyar, Sushila KC, Srijana Baduwal, Anita Magar, Sangita Malla, Barsha Oli

When and where to watch

The young tigresses will play their first match in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 against hosts Nepal at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Pokhara on Saturday, January 31, 2026

Venue: Pokhara Rangasala Stadium, Nepal

Date & Time: 31 January 2026 at 14:45 IST

Live Streaming: SportzWorkz YouTube channel

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