India U17 Women set to open their AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup qualifying campaign against hosts Kyrgyzstan

Joakim Alexandersson will be at the helm of the Young Tigresses.

The Indian U17 Women’s team is aiming at history as they begin their qualification journey to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. The Young Tigresses have an opportunity to shock the doubters and make their way to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup after two decades.

India have been placed in Group G of the qualifiers alongside Kyrgyzstan, who are also hosting the group, and Uzbekistan. The first challenge for the Young Tigresses will be to face the hosts, Kyrgyzstan. The Group G opener between India and Kyrgyzstan will be played at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek, kicking off at 18:30 IST.

The Stakes

India U17 Women

After a successful SAFF U17 Women’s Championship, the Young Tigresses are prepared to embark upon their biggest assignment in their tender careers. This is not just a test for the U17 Women’s team but for Joakim Alexandersson as well.

The Swedish coach recently led the U20 team to their first-ever qualification for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after nearly two decades. Now the expectations have skyrocketed, and the fans are looking forward to Alexandersson replicating his success with the U17 Women’s team.

Kyrgyzstan U17 Women

Kyrgyzstan have an edge over other teams in the group as they are playing in their home conditions. However, it will not be easy for them to edge past in-form India and Uzbekistan. Registering a positive result in the opening game against the Young Tigresses is essential for the hosts in a two-game qualifying round.

Before they face Uzbekistan, the strongest side in the group, three points in their bag will put them in a comfortable position. Ruthlessness will be key for Kyrgyzstan in the first qualifying fixture, going up against a tricky side that has a plethora of talent.

Also Read: India U17 women’s head coach Joakim Alexandersson announces squad for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers

Probable Lineups

India U17

Munni (GK), Taniya Devi Tonamabam, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Julan Nongmaithem, Alysha Lyngdoh, Binita Horo, Divyani Linda, Abhista Basnett, Shveta Rani, Anushka Kumari, Elizabed Lakra

Player to watch out for

Anushka Kumari (India)

The SAFF U17 Women’s Championship was a goal fest for India, and the biggest contributor was Anushka Kumari. Joakim Alexandersson’s team scored a whopping 30 goals in the tournament in just six games. Anushka Kumar had the largest share of those goals with 8 goals to her name.

After establishing her goal-scoring credentials in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship, now is the time for her to step up and spearhead the attack in a campaign that can change the lives of these players, besides changing the landscape of Indian Women’s Football.

When and where to watch India vs Kyrgyzstan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers?

The Group G opening qualifying fixture between India and Kyrgyzstan will be played on October 13.

The fans can watch the live stream on the Kyrgyz Sport TV YouTube Channel.

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.