India U-17 Women to test AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup readiness in Russia friendlies
India will play the first friendly against Russia on 11th April
With the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup drawing closer, the India U-17 Women’s team now heads into one of its most important preparatory camps, a three-match tour of Russia that could shape the Young Tigresses’ readiness for the continental stage.
Fresh off lifting the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship under head coach Pamela Conti, India will take on Russia U-17 Women in three friendlies in Sochi on April 11, 14, and 17.
The friendly tour offers far more than just match practice; it is a vital opportunity for Conti to fine-tune her side, test combinations and see how her players cope against physically strong European opposition.
For a young Indian squad still building its identity, these games come at the perfect time. The Russia tour will not only help the players build rhythm and confidence but also provide crucial answers for the coaching staff as they assess squad depth and prepare the team for the intensity of tournament football at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
The Stakes for India
With the Young Tigresses set to open their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign against Australia on May 2, these three matches against Russia come as a crucial final phase of preparation.
Head coach Pamela Conti will be keen to use this series to sharpen the team’s structure on both ends of the pitch and ensure the players are tactically ready for the step up in competition.
Facing a physically strong Russian side should offer India a realistic test of their defensive discipline, especially in one-on-one duels and transition moments.
The midfield unit, too, will be under close watch as Conti looks for the right balance between control and creativity ahead of the continental challenge.
Just as importantly, the tour gives India’s attacking players valuable time to build chemistry, improve movement in the final third and grow in confidence before taking on Australia in what is expected to be a demanding opener.
At this stage of the team’s development, exposure to different styles of opposition can be invaluable, and Russia presents exactly the kind of challenge India need before stepping onto the Asian stage.
Squad for the Russia Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam.
Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam.
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey.
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes.
Head coach: Pamela Conti
Assistant coaches: Vincenzo Conti and Nivetha Ramadoss
Goalkeeping coach: Mario Aguiar
Strength and conditioning coach: Amit Yadav
Recent Performance
India head into the Russia tour with plenty of confidence and positive momentum behind them.
The Young Tigresses recently impressed under head coach Pamela Conti by lifting the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, where India fielded their U-17 side against older opposition and still produced a strong run to the title.
The victory not only highlighted the quality within the squad but also underlined the maturity and composure the players have shown in recent months.
That tournament win should serve as a major confidence boost for the squad, especially with several players stepping up in high-pressure moments and proving they can compete beyond their age group.
India also picked up back-to-back wins over Myanmar in their recent international friendly outings, adding further belief ahead of this crucial tour.
However, the challenge in Russia is expected to be a step up in both technical quality and physical intensity, making these friendlies a far more realistic challenge before the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup begins.
Player to Watchout
Pearl Fernandes
One player who could be crucial for India on this tour is Pearl Fernandes, who heads into the Russia friendlies in sublime form.
The young forward was one of India’s standout performers during the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, where the U-17 side was fielded against older opposition and went on to lift the title.
Pearl consistently looked sharp in the final third, troubling defenders with her movement, pace and eye for goal.
Her confidence in front of goal and ability to influence big moments make her a key player for head coach Pamela Conti as India prepare for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
With the opening game against Australia on the horizon, the Russia tour offers Pearl the perfect platform to carry that momentum forward and establish herself as India’s attacking spearhead.
Schedule
India U-17 Women’s tour of Russia
- April 11 – vs Russia U-17 Women
- April 14 – vs Russia U-17 Women
- April 17 – vs Russia U-17 Women
Venue: SochiKick-off: 2:30 PM IST
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.