Indian women’s team vs FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv LIVE

As preparations continue for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, the Indian senior women’s team will play their first friendly in Türkiye today (18 January 2026) against Ukrainian club side FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv at the Emirhan Sport Center, with kick-off set for 18:00 IST.

Despite all the chaos and uncertainty surrounding Indian Football, the Blue Tigresses are in touching distance of a direct FIFA World Cup spot. Three friendly matches are scheduled for the women’s team in Türkiye.

Alongside that, Indian women’s football is set for a big boost, with Amelia Valverde set to join the Blue Tigresses’ coaching setup, along with a goalkeeping coach and a strength and conditioning coach. Valverde has past experience of helping nations qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. While Crispin Chettri will continue to manage the team.

Indian senior women’s team’s 26-member travelling squad to Türkiye:

• Goalkeepers: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Shreya Hooda, Adrija Sarkhel.
• Defenders: Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju, Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Martina Thokchom.
• Midfielders: Sangita Basfore, Babina Devi Lisham, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Anju Tamang, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum.
• Forwards: Grace Dangmei, Karishma Shirvoikar, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, Kaviya Pakkirisamy.

Indian senior women’s team’s friendly matches in Türkiye after today

• January 21: India vs FC Zürich Frauen, Emirhan Sport Center, 17:30 IST
• January 24: India vs FC Schlieren, Evrenseki/Ilıca Stadium, 17:30 IST

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