India U17 Women’s Team Set To Play Friendlies Against Russia In Sochi Ahead Of Asian Cup 2026

India U17 women will face Russia in three friendlies. Games are on April 11, 14 and 17, 2026. Head coach Pamela Conti has named a 23-member squad. The tour forms part of Asian Cup preparation.

All matches will be at the Matsesta Football Center, Sochi. Kick-off time for each game is 14:30 IST. The squad reached Sochi late on Monday night, April 6. They resumed training soon after arrival in Russia.

Head coach Pamela Conti will oversee the tour in Russia. She is supported by assistant coaches Vincenzo Conti and Nivetha Ramadoss. Goalkeeping coach Mario Aguiar works with the three keepers. Strength and conditioning coach Amit Yadav handles fitness work.

The Russia friendlies offer match practice before the Asian Cup. They also test combinations against European opposition. Performances in Sochi may influence selections for Suzhou. The tour acts as a key step in preparation.

Build-up to AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup

The Young Tigresses are preparing for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026. The final tournament will take place in Suzhou. India are in Group B with Australia, Japan and Lebanon. The group stage will decide quarter-final spots.

India will meet Australia on May 2 in Suzhou. They will then face Japan on May 5 in Group B. The last group game is against Lebanon on May 8. Results in these matches will shape their campaign.

Last month, the team travelled to Yangon for friendlies. They played two matches against the Myanmar hosts. India won the first game 2-0 in Yangon. They edged the second match 3-2 to complete a successful tour.

After returning from Myanmar, the squad stayed together in Bengaluru. Conti's side continued a training camp in the city. Sessions focused on fitness, tactics and combinations. The Russia games follow this block of work.

Match schedule in Sochi

Russia will host all three friendlies at the same venue. India will play Russia at 14:30 IST on each date. The fixtures offer match practice in a European setting. The schedule for the tour is listed below.

India's Asian Cup group fixtures

India will enter a challenging Group B in Suzhou. Their schedule features strong opponents and close dates. The fixtures for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2026, as announced, are listed here.

India U17 squad for Russia tour

India's 23-member squad covers three positions. In goal, Conti has picked Munni, Surajmuni Kumari and Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam. This group will share duties in Sochi. Their performances will be vital against Russian attacks.

The defensive unit has seven players. The defenders selected are Alena Devi Sarangthem and Alisha Lyngdoh. Also included are Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra and Joyshini Chanu Huidrom. The list continues with Ritu Badaik and Taniya Devi Tonambam.

The midfield group has seven names for the tour. They are Abhista Basnett and Alva Devi Senjam. Bonifilia Shullai and Julan Nongmaithem are in central roles. Joining them are Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum and Thandamoni Baskey.

The forwards group includes six attacking players. The chosen strikers and wingers are Anushka Kumari and Anwita Raghuraman. They are joined by Joya and Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam. The list concludes with Pearl Fernandes and Valaina Fernandes.